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NEEA

What is the Northwest Energy Management System Pilot?
It is a pilot program that provides mentored implementation of a fully integrated and sustainable energy management system. Energy experts will work directly with staff from 5–8 facilities to develop and integrate a framework for successful energy management, which will help test the value of a proposed national industrial energy-efficiency certification program.

When will the Northwest Energy Management System Pilot begin?
The pilot begins in fall 2009.

What is the duration of the pilot?
The pilot spans approximately 15–18 months from fall 2009 to winter 2010.

Who is sponsoring the pilot?
The U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) is working with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) to connect with companies in Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington that are ready to improve energy efficiency. Georgia Tech and Lawrence Berkley Laboratories will contribute energy expertise and materials.

How will facilities be selected to participate in the pilot?
Ideal candidates will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Senior-level commitment
  • Previous experience with continuous improvement programs
  • At least two energy systems (pumps, steam, compressed air, or process heat) they want to evaluate for savings potential
  • Sufficient metering in place so that plant personnel can construct an energy baseline to measure savings
  • Willingness to pursue ANSI MSE 2000:2008 certification and eventually ISO 50001 certification upon completion of the pilot program.

What can I expect during the pilot program?
As a pilot participant, you can expect to:

  • Discover cost-effective opportunities based on evaluations of your significant energy intensity systems
  • Receive management system training and coaching that is tailored to your plant’s needs
  • Learn by doing: work with energy experts and other program participants in systems optimization and energy management
  • Gain the opportunity to participate in development of the international ISO 50001 standard.
  • Provide input into development of a national monitoring and verification methodology.

What is the cost of the pilot program?
To demonstrate their commitment to the pilot program, organizations are asked to pay $4,000 to participate in the program, plus travel and lodging to attend three 2-1/2 day workshops. Payment terms are negotiable and partial scholarships may be available. US DOE and NEEA sponsorship pays the remaining $26K-$40K per-organization cost as follows:

Estimated budget of direct services values
MSE Implementation Coaching     $10,000 – $20,000
Monitoring and Verification of Savings  +$16,000 – $20,000
Total Value:    $26,000 – $40,000
Estimated budget of costs
Management System for Energy training fee    $4,000
Travel & Lodging (dependent on distance to sites)    $110 – $250/person/night
Food for participants during the training    $ 400/person
(except meals provided as part of the training)    (based on standard per diem rates)

What is the time commitment? Who will be involved from the company?
The key contact or project manager for the company will participate in three 2 ½ day training workshops and a wrap-up meeting. At least one other key person involved in energy management should attend the training workshops with the project manager. There will also be monthly webinars which will last one to two hours. It is anticipated that plant personnel will spend a total of 160 – 270 hours over 16 months to implement the energy management system. This time depends on the facility’s current energy program.

Why should I pursue participation in the pilot?
The pilot is designed to be practical, achievable, and valuable to participants in order to underscore the tangible advantages of applying energy efficiency to industrial operations. Intended outcomes include:

  • Reduced energy expenses
  • Decreased energy intensity
  • Improved operational efficiency
  • Improved operations and maintenance
  • Increased ROI on energy projects
  • National, and eventually international certification from third-party auditors

Will my information be confidential?
Plant information can be handled confidentially. If a plant would like to execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement, it should note it at the time of application so that it does not delay training, assessments, and pilot program implementation.

What happens at the end of the project in December 2010?
Plants that significantly meet the criteria for certification by the end of the pilot will receive continued support from the US DOE to assist them in completing the certification process. Certification costs will vary by facility size, complexity, and the follow-up audit schedule and registrar agency the company chooses to perform the registration audits.

How do I apply to participate?
Download the application from the pilot program page, fill it out and save it with your company name. Attach it to an e-mail addressed to:
Dresden Skees-Gregory
Sustainable Environmental Services
SustainableEnvSvcs@verizon.net
http://www.nwsustainable.net/