Benefit-Cost Analysis for Utility-Facing Grid Modernization Investments

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Benefit-Cost Analysis
for Utility-Facing
Grid Modernization Investments
 
Tim Woolf, Synapse Energy Economics
NASUCA Annual Meeting
November 11, 2018
Synapse
Energy Economics, Inc.
 
 
Outline of Presentation
 
Overview of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) in general
Key challenges of grid modernization (grid mod) BCA
Review of recent utility grid mod proposals
Focus on utility-facing grid mod
Using Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS)
as an example
How to address key challenges of grid mod BCAs
References for additional information
Lots of Q&A throughout
 
 
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The Role of Benefit-Cost Analysis
 
1.
Case: Utility seeking approval of costs before spending
Typically in a case dedicated to review proposed investments
Utility often asks for pre-approval
Allows for focused review of proposal
Utility can be held accountable to cost forecasts
Costs can be reduced or rejected before incurred
2.
Case: Utility seeking approval of costs after spending
Typically in a rate case
Allows for review in context of other costs
Grid mod issues might be one of many contentious issues
Difficult to modify, reduce, or disallow costs
 
5
 
Benefit-Cost Analysis – Key Steps
 
BCA is used to assess a project by comparing multiple costs
with multiple benefits over the long term. Key steps include:
1.
Define a reference case/scenario (without the project).
2.
Define an alternative case/scenario (with the project).
3.
Decide which costs and benefits to include (which test(s) to use).
4.
Define all relevant costs and benefits (clarify metrics).
5.
Determine appropriate time frame and discount rates.
6.
Develop assumptions and input data.
7.
Conduct scenario and sensitivity analyses.
8.
Present, document, and justify results.
 
 
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Benefit-Cost Analysis – Key Principles
 
Sources: NESP 2017, DOE 2017, NY PSC 2016.
 
7
 
Grid Mod BCAs – Key Challenges
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Grid Modernization: Customer Facing
Energy Efficiency
Demand Response
Distributed Generation
Storage
Electric Vehicles
Advanced Meters
Third Party Access
Customer Data
Cybersecurity
 
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Grid Modernization: Utility-Facing
Advanced distribution management system (ADMS)
Geographic information system (GIS)
Distribution system supervisory control and data acquisition (DSCADA)
Outage management system (OMS)
Distributed energy resource management system (DERMS)
Fault location, isolation, & service restoration (FLISR) a/k/a/ dist. automation
Volt-var optimization (VVO)
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
Network monitoring:
Substation devices
Field (feeder) level devices
 
See Appendix for definitions
 
These are referred to
here as “components”
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Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS)
 
A software platform that:
Integrates
 several operational components, such as
Outage Management System (OMS)
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Distribution Energy Resource Management (DERMS)
Enables
 advanced components such as
Automated fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR)
Volt-var optimization (VVO)
Distribution State System Estimation (DSSE)
Allows for centralized decision-making
Optimizes distribution grid performance
 
 
12
Core DMS
Applications
+
Optional
Applications
e.g., FLISR
VVO
GIS
AMI
DERMS
OMS
 
Outage-Related
Restoration Activities
DSCADA
 
Monitor and Operate
the Distribution
Network
 
Manage a variety
of interconnected
DER Assets
 
Two-way
communication
between customer
and utilities
 
Detailed network
topology
 
Monitor, control,
optimize and predict
operations
 
ADMS Integrates and Enables Many Components
ADMS integrates several grid mod components:
 
ADMS Not Always Used With Other Components
Not all utilities use
all ADMS functions
 
13
 
Source: Newton-Evans 2017.
Based on survey of 29/68 surveyed North American utilities that reported either
having or intending to acquire DMS/ADMS in the near future.
 
 
Utilities that have installed ADMS
and use, or plan to use, other components:
 
14
 
Key Purported Benefits of ADMS (as claimed in utility filings)
 
Increased Reliability
FLISR allows for faster restoration times and enables reduced outage duration and
outage frequency
Distribution O&M Cost Savings
FLISR reduces labor cost through reduced call volumes, reduced truck rolls, and
reduced field crew hours
VVO reduces asset maintenance costs through reduced capacitor switching
DER Integration
Increased hosting capacity to accommodate additional DERs; better management of
DER resources
Energy and Capacity Cost Savings
VVO flattens the voltage profile, which enables energy savings, reduces energy losses, and
reduces peak demand—thereby reducing need for generation and T&D capacity infrastructure
Increased DER Integration can avoid both energy and capacity related costs
Improved Distribution System Planning
DSSE and Advanced Power Flows provide visibility into the grid and allow for better distribution
system planning
 
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Additional Benefits of ADMS (as claimed in utility filings)
 
Increased Customer Satisfaction
Through reduced outage duration and frequency
Increased Safety
Through reduced exposure of field crew due to reduced outages and increased automation
Environmental Benefits
Primarily from increased DER integration
Improved Power Quality
Through reduced voltage sags and swells due to more accurate grid optimization
Improved Resilience
Through reduced vulnerability to storm outages
Economic Development and Job Creation
From reduced customer bills as a result of utility cost savings
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Recent Grid Mod Proposals Including ADMS
 
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High-Level Trends in Utility-Facing Grid Mod Proposals
 
Wide variety in grid mod components proposed
Almost all proposals include monetary estimates of costs
All proposals claim qualitative benefits
Few proposals offer methodologies for how to account for
qualitative benefits
In the absence of qualitative benefits, some proposals are not
cost-effective
Few proposals provide monetized results for grid mod
components in isolation
Including ADMS in isolation
Few proposals even provide monetized results for portfolios
 
19
 
Deployment, Enhancement, & Integration of Components
 
These results are based
upon a brief review of utility
proposals, and are meant for
illustrative purposes only. In
certain cases, it was not
clear whether the
technology has already been
implemented or the degree
of integration proposed.
 
This table includes components that ADMS can help 
integrate
.
 
20
 
Deployment, Enhancement, & Integration of Components
 
These results are based
upon a brief review of utility
proposals, and are meant for
illustrative purposes only. In
certain cases, it was not
clear whether the
technology has already been
implemented or the degree
of integration proposed.
 
This table includes components that ADMS can help enable.
 
21
 
Frequency of Claimed Grid Mod Benefits
 
‘Other Benefits’ includes acceleration of future beneficial technology (National Grid MA), and
customer empowerment (LGE KY).
 
Frequency of benefits related to ADMS, including monetized and non-monetized.
From 17 Grid Mod proposals reviewed.
 
Percent of studies claiming benefit
 
22
 
Frequency of Claimed Monetized Benefits
 
Frequency of Monetized Benefits in Proposals
Where Benefits Related to ADMS are Monetized
 
Percent of studies claiming benefit
 
23
 
Grid Mod Benefit Cost Results - Monetized
 
Portfolio Benefit-Cost Ratios
 
24
 
Example: PSE&G Storm Hardening Results
Purported Costs and Benefits for Entire
Storm Hardening Proposal
 
25
 
Example: Grid BCA Results
The unmonetized
benefits must exceed
this much for the
investment to be
cost-effective
 
Millions of Dollars (NPV)
 
Purported Costs and Benefits for Entire Grid Mod Portfolio Proposal
 
25
 
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Example: ADMS Benefit-Cost Results
 
Claimed Benefit-Cost Ratios
for Portfolios and ADMS in isolation
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Grid Mod BCAs – Key Challenges
 
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Define Cases: 
Full Description and Justification
 
This issue can mostly be addressed with robust filing requirements.
The initial filing should clearly articulate:
what already exists on the system
what would exist in a future without the proposed investment
what the proposed investments will be
 
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Define Cases: 
Full Description and Justification
 
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BCA Tests: 
Decide Which Costs and Benefits to Include
 
Which test (i.e., perspective) is most important:
Utility System Perspective
Impact on utility system (Utility Cost test)
Societal Perspective
Impact on utility system and society in general (Societal Cost test)
Regulatory Perspective
Impact on utility system and state energy goals (state specific test)
This decision should ideally be made by regulators, with
stakeholder input, prior to proposals being filed.
 
BCA Tests: 
California 
Standard Practice Manual
 
The CA Manual has been universally used for energy efficiency
Describes five standard cost-effectiveness tests:
Utility Cost test: impacts on the utility system
Total Resource Cost test: impacts on utility system and participants
Societal Cost test: impacts on society
Participant test: impacts on program participants
Rate Impact Measure test: impacts on rates
These tests are increasingly being used to assess grid
modernization, DERs, and related initiatives.
But the CA Manual does not address current needs:
Does not address energy policy goals
Has been interpreted inconsistently
Does not address some key DER issues
 
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BCA Tests: 
National Standard Practice Manual
 
1.
Designed to update, improve, and replace the California SPM
2.
Includes a set of fundamental BCA principles
3.
Identifies the importance of accounting for policy goals in BCAs
This is a key concept missing from the California SPM
4.
Introduces the “regulatory perspective”
Which reflects the overarching goals of providing customers with safe,
reliable, low-cost energy services while meeting applicable policy goals
5.
Articulates that there are multiple ways to develop a BCA test
States are not limited to the Utility, the Total Resource, or the Societal Cost
tests
A test can include some societal benefits, but not necessarily all
6.
Provides a framework for determining a state BCA test
The primary test used in a state to determine whether benefits exceed
costs. Might be one of the traditional tests, or might be a new one
 
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BCA Tests: 
EPRI: Benefit-Cost Framework for the Integrated Grid
 
EPRI report explains the rationale for both the utility and societal perspectives
There is no mention of a Total Resource Cost test
 
Source: Electric Power Research Institute, 2015, pages 9-3.
 
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BCA Tests: 
U
.S. Department of Energy: Modern Distribution Grid
 
Source: US Department of Energy, 2017, pages 39-44.
 
DOE report divides modern grid expenditures into four types:
 
Concerns: (a) requires distinguishing by category;
(b) results in inconsistent tests across projects/components/resources.
 
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BCA Tests: 
General Trends
 
Increased flexibility in choice of tests/perspectives
Increased emphasis on:
Utility system impacts
Accounting for policy goals
Societal impacts
Less emphasis on:
The Total Resource Cost test
Rate impacts (except for DERs that reduce sales)
Increased need for consistency:
Across DERs
Across utility investments
 
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BCA Tests: 
Recommendations
 
Decide upon test(s) prior to filing of grid mod proposal.
Use stakeholder input to decide upon tests
The primary test should reflect the state’s energy policy
goals.
The same BCA tests should be applied to all types of
utility investments.
Conduct multiple tests:
Utility system perspective:
Should be used in all grid mod proposals
Best reflection of impacts on total costs and average bills
Regulatory perspective
Best reflection of energy policy goals
 
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Define Costs & Benefits: 
Examples of Challenging Metrics
 
Source: Grid Mod Consortium 2017
 
39
 
Define Costs & Benefits: 
Examples 
from NJ
 
Definition of Reliability, Resiliency, and Hardening Investments
 
40
 
Time Frame: 
Recommendations
 
Filing requirements should:
Articulate the study period (# years).
Explain how the study period was determined.
Justify the choice of study period.
The time frame (i.e., study period) should include the
full lifetime of the last project/component installed.
If a component is installed in 2025 and has an estimated
operating life of 15 years, the study should go through 2040
(even though impacts in later years have less impact).
This issue should be decided and resolved prior to the
grid mod proposal.
 
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Discount Rate: 
Impacts 
can be Significant
 
 
 
 
 
The choice of discount rate will have a large impact on the costs and benefits.
 
42
 
Discount Rate: 
Several 
Options
 
The discount rate reflects a particular “time preference.”
The relative importance of short- versus long-term impacts.
Utility weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is widely
used in Grid Mod and other BCAs
Examples of discount rates
Investor-owned utility WACC: 
 
5%-8%
Publicly-owned utility WACC:
 
3%-5%
Utility customers:
  
Varies widely
Low risk: 
   
0%-3%
Societal:
    
<0%-3%
 
43
 
Discount Rate: 
Limitations to Using the Utility WACC
 
The goal of BCAs for unregulated business is different
from the goal of BCAs in regulatory settings:
For 
unregulated
 businesses, the goal of BCA is to maximize
shareholder value.
Investors’ time preference is driven entirely by investors’ opportunity cost
and risk, and the WACC reflects both of those.
For 
regulated
 utilities, the goal of BCA is fundamentally different:
The goal is to provide safe, reliable, low-cost power to customers and
meet policy goals.
The goal is not to maximize shareholder value.
Since the goal for a regulated utility is different, the time
preference is also different.
 
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Discount Rate: 
Recommendations (I)
 
The choice of discount rate is a policy decision.
The discount rate should reflect the time preference
chosen by regulators on behalf of all customers.
In other words, should reflect the regulatory perspective
The regulatory perspective should account for many
factors:
low-cost, safe, reliable service; intergenerational equity; other
state or regulatory policy goals.
The regulatory perspective suggests a greater emphasis
on long-term impacts than what is reflected in the WACC.
Which implies a lower discount rate.
 
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Discount Rate: 
Recommendations (II)
 
Each state should choose a discount rate that reflects its
own time preference and policy objectives.
The same discount rate should be used in all utility BCAs:
Grid modernization, DERs, IRP, distribution system planning
Sensitivities can be helpful.
For example:
Use the utility WACC as a high case.
Use a low-risk or societal discount rate as a low case.
 
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Discount Rate: 
Sensitivity Analysis
 
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Interactive Effects: 
Apply Scenarios
 
Filing requirements should include full description and
explanation of how the different components interact.
Proposal should present BCA results for each component
in isolation.
Unless the utility can justify otherwise for some components.
Proposal should also present BCA results for different
combinations of components.
Especially of components that are most inter-dependent.
Selection of grid modernization portfolio should be
justified using the results of the different scenarios.
 
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Interactive Effects:
 
Example – Small Bundle
 
These are hypothetical values for illustrative purposes only.
GIS, DSCADA, and OMS benefits include benefits expected in the absence of ADMS,
and the ADMS benefits reflect incremental benefits accruing from those other components.
 
Bundle includes ADMS plus components that it integrates (GIS, DSCADA, and OMS).
 
49
 
Interactive Effects:
 
Example – Intermediate Bundle
 
These are hypothetical values for illustrative purposes only.
GIS, DSCADA, and OMS benefits include benefits expected in the absence of ADMS,
and the ADMS benefits reflect incremental benefits accruing from those other components.
 
Add FLISR and DERMS to the Small Bundle.
 
50
 
Interactive Effects:
 
Example – Full Bundle
 
These are hypothetical values for illustrative purposes only.
GIS, DSCADA, and OMS benefits include benefits expected in the absence of ADMS,
and the ADMS benefits reflect incremental benefits accruing from those other components.
 
Add AMI and VVO to the Intermediate Bundle.
 
51
 
Interactive Effects: 
Interpretation of Scenarios
 
Results for the Portfolios:
As the bundles get bigger, net benefits do not change a lot, but the total benefits do.
 
Net benefits = Benefits minus Costs
 
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Interactive Effects: 
Interpretation of Scenarios
 
Results for ADMS only:
As the bundles get bigger, the ADMS benefits and net benefits increase.
 
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Qualitative Benefits: 
Reporting Requirements
 
 
Filing requirements should include full discussion and justification of all benefits.
 
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Qualitative Benefits: 
Several Options
 
Assign points to indicate potential magnitude of benefits
Example: 1=low impact, 2=med impact, 3-high impact
Assign weights to indicate relative priority of benefits
Example: low priority, medium priority, high priority
Assign proxies
Example: Benefits of improved distribution planning are equal to 5% of the
total energy, capacity, and O&M benefits.
Multi-attribute decision making:
U.S. Department of Energy, 2018, Section 3.4.2.
Advanced Energy Economy Institute, 2014, Section 4.4.
Ultimately, some sort of monetization is implied.
 
55
 
Qualitative Benefits: 
Example – Assign Points
 
Small bundle includes ADMS plus components that it integrates.
 
Assign points to qualitative benefits.
May be sufficient to overcome BCR < 1.0 (for example GIS)
 
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Assumptions: 
Describe Beneficiaries
 
 
Filing requirements should include full discussion and explanation of beneficiaries.
 
57
 
Results:
 
Present, Document, and Justify
 
This issue can mostly be addressed with robust filing
requirements.
Inputs and assumptions:
Clearly define reference and alternative cases.
Articulate and justify all assumptions regarding BCA test,
metrics used, time frame, discount rate, qualitative benefits,
beneficiaries, sensitivities, scenarios, etc.
Results:
Present costs, benefits, net benefits, benefit-cost ratios.
Present all practices used to account for qualitative benefits.
Present results of sensitivities and scenarios.
Justify decision based on the results.
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Summary:
 
How to Address the Key Challenges
 
60
 
Recommendations for Further Research
 
How to account for qualitative impacts
Develop practical methodologies for utilities and other
stakeholders to account for qualitative impacts.
This could range from simple proxy multipliers to sophisticated
multi-criteria integration techniques.
How to account for interactive effects of utility-facing grid
modernization projects
Develop engineering-based protocols for determining which
projects can or should be assessed in isolation.
Develop conventions and best practices for bundling utility-
facing grid mod components.
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Recent Reports on BCA Frameworks
 
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References: Benefit-Cost Analysis Frameworks
 
Advanced Energy Economy Institute (AEEI). 2014. 
Benefit-Cost Analysis for Distributed Energy Resources
. Prepared
by Synapse Energy Economics.
California Public Utilities Commission. 2001. 
California Standard Practice Manual: 
Economic Analysis of Demand-
Side Programs and Projects.
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). 2015. 
The Integrated Grid: A Benefit-Cost Framework
. EPRI, Palo Alto, CA:
2015. 3002004878.
EPRI. 2012. 
Guidebook for Cost/Benefit Analysis of Smart Grid Demonstration Projects: Revision 1, Measuring
Impacts and Monetizing Benefits
.
Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium. 2018. 
Valuation Framework: Guidelines Document 2.0.
 Draft for
External Review published July 30, 2018.
Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium. 2017. 
Grid Modernization: Metrics Analysis (GMLC1.1). 
Reference
Document, Version 2.1. Prepared by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy.
National Efficiency Screening Project. 2017. 
National Standard Practice Manual for Assessing Cost-Effectiveness of
Energy Efficiency Resources
. Edition 1, Spring 2017.
New York Public Service Commission (NY PSC). 2016. 
Order Establishing the Benefit Cost Analysis Framework
.
U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE). 2017. 
Modern Distribution Grid: Decision Guide Volume III. 
Sponsored by the
U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Delivery (OE) and Energy Reliability and the Office of Energy Policy
and Systems Analysis (EPSA). Prepared by DOE-OE, DOE-EPSA, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
 
 
64
 
References: Utility Grid Modernization Proposals (I)
 
Central Hudson Distributed System Implementation Plan
. New York Department of Public Service, Case 14-M-0101
(July 31, 2018).
Petition of Public Service Electric and Gas Company for Approval of the Second Energy Strong Program (Energy
Strong II). 
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Docket Nos. EO18 and GO18 (June 8, 2018).
Prefiled Direct Testimony of Gregory L. Booth, PE, President, PowerServices, Inc. on behalf of Rhode Island Division of
Public Utilities and Carriers
. Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, Docket No. 4770 (April 4, 2018).
Testimony of John P. Malloy, Vice President, Gas Distribution Louisville Gas and Electric Company. 
Commonwealth of
Kentucky, Public Service Commission, Case No. 2018-00005 (January 10, 2018).
Direct Testimony of Lisa M. Rouse on behalf of Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company,
the Toledo Edison Company. 
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Case No. 17-2436-EL-UNC (December 1, 2017)
Xcel 2017 Biennial Report – Distribution Grid
. Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Docket No. E002/M-17-776
(November 1, 2017).
Consumers Energy Electric Distribution Infrastructure Investment Plan
. Michigan Public Service Commission, Case
No. U-1799 (August 1, 2017).
Qualifications and Direct Testimony of Paul D. Whitman
. Michigan Public Service Commission, Case No. U-1825
(April 10, 2017).
Direct Testimony of Lynnae K. Wilson, Vice President of Energy Delivery, on Description and Development of the
TDSIC Plan
. Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Cause No. 4491 (February 22, 2017).
San Diego Gas & Electricity. 2016. 
SDGE Smart Grid Deployment Plan. 
2016 Annual Report.
 
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References: Utility Grid Modernization Proposals (II)
 
Verified Application for an Order Granting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Distribution Grid
Enhancements Including Advanced Metering and Integrated Volt-Var Optimization Infrastructure
, Public Utilities
Commission of the State of Colorado (August 2, 2016).
National Grid Distribution System Implementation Plan,
 New York Department of Public Service, Case 14-M-0101
(June 30, 2016).
New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation Distributed System
Implementation Plan
, New York Department of Public Service, Case 14-M-0101 (June 30, 2016).
Petition of Massachusetts Electric Company and Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid for Approval of
Grid Modernization Plan
, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, D.P.U. 15-120 (June 14, 2016).
Arizona Public Service Company Rate Application – Direct Testimony of Daniel T. Froetscher
. Docket No. E-01345A-
16-0036 (June 1, 2016).
Xcel 2015 Biennial Report – Distribution Grid
. Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Docket No. E999/M-15-439
(October 30, 2015).
Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company (d/b/a Unitil) Grid Modernization Plan
, Massachusetts Department of
Public Utilities, D.P.U. 12-76 and D.P.U. 14-04 (August 19, 2015).
NSTAR Electric Company and Western Massachusetts Electric Company (each d/b/a Eversource Energy) Petition for
Approval of Grid Modernization Plan
, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, D.P.U. 15-122/15-123 (August
19, 2015).
Newton-Evans. 2017. Press Release: 
Newton-Evans Study Finds Heavy Use of IP/MPLS and Continued Reliance on
Utility-Operated Telecommunications Networks for EMS/SCADA and DMS Systems. 
May 5, 2017.
 
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Definitions
 
Distribution Management System (DMS)
Monitors, controls, predicts, and optimizes grid operations
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A detailed network model of the distribution system
Outage Management System (OMS)
Identifies and resolves outages often integrated with the GIS to identify location
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Automatically monitors and reports the data collected from the distribution system. Provides real-time view into
grid operations. DSCADA Refers specifically to SCADA for the distribution system
Distribution Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS)
Connects and manages the integration of all types of DERS into the grid
 
 
 
 
 
68
 
Advanced ADMS Capabilities
 
FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration)
Automatically identifies feeder level faults, isolates the fault, and restores service to healthy
sections of the feeder.
VVO (Integrated Volt/VAR Control)
Lowers distribution line voltages to the lower end of the ANSI standard voltage range through
fully coordinated/automated operation of all volt and VAR devices. Often accompanied with
Advanced Metering Infrastructure to improve effectiveness of Volt/VAR Optimization.
Distribution System State Estimation/Online Power Flow
Utilizes all the available measurements and data to obtain an accurate estimate of the system.
Provides situational awareness and visibility and allows for real-time control of the distribution
system as well as optimized grid performance.
DER Integration
High penetration of DER causes bidirectional flow of power at a feeder level. ADMS (combined with
DERMS) can improve situational awareness and help increase hosting capacity of DER in the
network.
 
 
69
 
Traditional Cost-Effectiveness Tests
 
Source: National Efficiency Screening Project 2017.
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Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) plays a crucial role in evaluating utility-facing grid modernization investments. This process involves comparing costs and benefits over the long term, addressing key challenges, and using advanced systems like ADMS to enhance grid operations. The presentation outlines the steps and principles of BCA, emphasizing the need to assess projects in line with policy goals and traditional alternatives.

  • Benefit-Cost Analysis
  • Grid Modernization
  • Utility Investments
  • Energy Economics
  • Environmental Impacts

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  1. Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. Benefit-Cost Analysis for Utility-Facing Grid Modernization Investments Tim Woolf, Synapse Energy Economics NASUCA Annual Meeting November 11, 2018 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  2. Outline of Presentation Overview of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) in general Key challenges of grid modernization (grid mod) BCA Review of recent utility grid mod proposals Focus on utility-facing grid mod Using Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) as an example How to address key challenges of grid mod BCAs References for additional information Lots of Q&A throughout 2 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  3. Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. OVERVIEW OF BCA & KEY CHALLENGES OF GRID MOD BCA ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  4. The Role of Benefit-Cost Analysis 1. Case: Utility seeking approval of costs before spending Typically in a case dedicated to review proposed investments Utility often asks for pre-approval Allows for focused review of proposal Utility can be held accountable to cost forecasts Costs can be reduced or rejected before incurred 2. Case: Utility seeking approval of costs after spending Typically in a rate case Allows for review in context of other costs Grid mod issues might be one of many contentious issues Difficult to modify, reduce, or disallow costs 4 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  5. Benefit-Cost Analysis Key Steps BCA is used to assess a project by comparing multiple costs with multiple benefits over the long term. Key steps include: 1. Define a reference case/scenario (without the project). 2. Define an alternative case/scenario (with the project). 3. Decide which costs and benefits to include (which test(s) to use). 4. Define all relevant costs and benefits (clarify metrics). 5. Determine appropriate time frame and discount rates. 6. Develop assumptions and input data. 7. Conduct scenario and sensitivity analyses. 8. Present, document, and justify results. 5 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  6. Benefit-Cost Analysis Key Principles NSPM (EE) DOE NY PSC (NY REV) Principle (Grid Mod) Assess projects comparably to traditional alternatives Account for applicable policy goals -- Account for all relevant costs & benefits (quant. and qual.) -- Ensure symmetry across relevant costs and benefits -- -- Apply full life-cycle analysis Apply incremental, forward-looking analysis -- -- Ensure transparency Avoid combining or conflating different costs and benefits -- -- Assess bundles & portfolios instead of separate measures -- Address locational and temporal values -- Sources: NESP 2017, DOE 2017, NY PSC 2016. 6 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  7. Grid Mod BCAs Key Challenges Challenge Description Differences are not clearly articulated. Alternatives are often bundled too much. Define reference & alternative cases Decide which BCA tests to use (i.e., which costs and benefits to include) Utility system? Policy goals? Society? Consistency with BCAs for other resources? Sometimes requires different metrics (e.g., resilience). Define costs & benefits Time frame & discount rate Utility, regulatory, or societal perspective? Account for qualitative impacts Many benefits are in qualitative terms only. Describe beneficiaries Sometimes unclear who enjoys some benefits. Many benefits depend upon interactions across components Account for interactive effects Proposals frequently do not include information needed to make key decisions. Present, Document, & Justify Results 7 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  8. Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. OVERVIEW OF UTILITY-FACING GRID MODERNIZATION PROPOSALS USING ADVANCED DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ADMS) AS AN EXAMPLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  9. Grid Modernization: Customer Facing Grid Modernization Customer Facing Utility Facing Energy Efficiency Demand Response Distributed Generation Storage Electric Vehicles Advanced Meters Third Party Access Customer Data Cybersecurity 9 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  10. Grid Modernization: Utility-Facing Grid Modernization These are referred to here as components Utility Facing Advanced distribution management system (ADMS) Geographic information system (GIS) Distribution system supervisory control and data acquisition (DSCADA) Outage management system (OMS) Distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) Fault location, isolation, & service restoration (FLISR) a/k/a/ dist. automation Volt-var optimization (VVO) Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) Network monitoring: Substation devices Field (feeder) level devices See Appendix for definitions 10 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  11. Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) A software platform that: Definition of ADMS Integrates several operational components, such as Outage Management System (OMS) Geographic Information System (GIS) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Distribution Energy Resource Management (DERMS) Enables advanced components such as Automated fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR) Volt-var optimization (VVO) Distribution State System Estimation (DSSE) Allows for centralized decision-making Optimizes distribution grid performance 11 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  12. ADMS Integrates and Enables Many Components ADMS integrates several grid mod components: Detailed network topology Monitor, control, optimize and predict operations Monitor and Operate the Distribution Network GIS Core DMS Applications + Optional Applications e.g., FLISR VVO DSCADA Outage-Related Restoration Activities OMS Two-way communication between customer and utilities Manage a variety of interconnected DER Assets DERMS AMI 12 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  13. ADMS Not Always Used With Other Components Utilities that have installed ADMS and use, or plan to use, other components: Not all utilities use all ADMS functions 100% Percent of Utilities Using Application 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Network Monitoring FLISR VVO DERMS Optimal Feeder Configuraton Protection Coordination Source: Newton-Evans 2017. Based on survey of 29/68 surveyed North American utilities that reported either having or intending to acquire DMS/ADMS in the near future. 13 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  14. Key Purported Benefits of ADMS (as claimed in utility filings) Increased Reliability FLISR allows for faster restoration times and enables reduced outage duration and outage frequency Distribution O&M Cost Savings FLISR reduces labor cost through reduced call volumes, reduced truck rolls, and reduced field crew hours VVO reduces asset maintenance costs through reduced capacitor switching DER Integration Increased hosting capacity to accommodate additional DERs; better management of DER resources Energy and Capacity Cost Savings VVO flattens the voltage profile, which enables energy savings, reduces energy losses, and reduces peak demand thereby reducing need for generation and T&D capacity infrastructure Increased DER Integration can avoid both energy and capacity related costs Improved Distribution System Planning DSSE and Advanced Power Flows provide visibility into the grid and allow for better distribution system planning 14 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  15. Additional Benefits of ADMS (as claimed in utility filings) Increased Customer Satisfaction Through reduced outage duration and frequency Increased Safety Through reduced exposure of field crew due to reduced outages and increased automation Environmental Benefits Primarily from increased DER integration Improved Power Quality Through reduced voltage sags and swells due to more accurate grid optimization Improved Resilience Through reduced vulnerability to storm outages Economic Development and Job Creation From reduced customer bills as a result of utility cost savings 15 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  16. Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. REVIEW OF SAMPLE UTILITY-FACING GRID MODERNIZATION PROPOSALS ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  17. Recent Grid Mod Proposals Including ADMS Utility Unitil (MA) Eversource (MA) National Grid (MA) National Grid (NY) NYSEG (NY) & RGE (NY) PSCo (CO) SDGE (CA) APS (AZ) FirstEnergy (OH) Xcel (MN) Vectren (IN) DTE Electric (MI) Consumers Energy (MI) PSEG (NJ) LGE (KY) Central Hudson (NY) National Grid (RI) Year 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018 2018 We reviewed 22 grid modernization proposals. Of those, 17 proposals included ADMS. 17 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  18. High-Level Trends in Utility-Facing Grid Mod Proposals Wide variety in grid mod components proposed Almost all proposals include monetary estimates of costs All proposals claim qualitative benefits Few proposals offer methodologies for how to account for qualitative benefits In the absence of qualitative benefits, some proposals are not cost-effective Few proposals provide monetized results for grid mod components in isolation Including ADMS in isolation Few proposals even provide monetized results for portfolios 18 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  19. Deployment, Enhancement, & Integration of Components Utility National Grid NYSEG & RGE Unitil National Grid Eversource PSCo Xcel FirstEnergy Vectran National Grid DTE Electric APS PSEG Consumers Energy LGE SDG&E CHG&E State NY NY MA MA MA CO MN OH IN RI MI AZ NJ MI KY CA NY GIS E E I E I E E E I E DSCADA E E ` E E I E OMS E E I E I I D ADMS D E D D D I D D D D D E D D Enhancement and Integration Deployment and Integration Integration Only No Specific Proposal These results are based upon a brief review of utility proposals, and are meant for illustrative purposes only. In certain cases, it was not clear whether the technology has already been implemented or the degree of integration proposed. E E E E I E E I E D E E D D E E I I E E E E E This table includes components that ADMS can help integrate. 19 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  20. Deployment, Enhancement, & Integration of Components FLISR D E VVO D E D D D D E Utility National Grid NYSEG & RGE Unitil National Grid Eversource PSCo Xcel FirstEnergy Vectran National Grid DTE Electric APS PSEG Consumers Energy LGE SDG&E CHG&E State NY NY MA MA MA CO MN OH IN RI MI AZ NJ MI KY CA NY AMI D D I D DERMS D D D Enhancement and Integration Deployment and Integration Integration Only D D D D No Specific Proposal D D These results are based upon a brief review of utility proposals, and are meant for illustrative purposes only. In certain cases, it was not clear whether the technology has already been implemented or the degree of integration proposed. D D D D D D D D D D D I I I E E E E This table includes components that ADMS can help enable. 20 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  21. Frequency of Claimed Grid Mod Benefits Frequency of benefits related to ADMS, including monetized and non-monetized. From 17 Grid Mod proposals reviewed. Reliability Distribution O&M DER Integration Energy & Generation Capacity System Planning Customer Satisfaction Safety Environmental Power Quality Other Benefits Resilience (Storm Restoration) Percent of studies claiming benefit Economic Development 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Other Benefits includes acceleration of future beneficial technology (National Grid MA), and customer empowerment (LGE KY). 21 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  22. Frequency of Claimed Monetized Benefits Frequency of Monetized Benefits in Proposals Where Benefits Related to ADMS are Monetized Of the 17 proposals, only 9 provided any form of monetized benefits related to ADMS. Most of the monetized benefits are for energy and capacity, and reliability. Percent of studies claiming benefit 22 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  23. Grid Mod Benefit Cost Results - Monetized Benefit-cost ratios from the 9 proposals that provided any form of monetized benefits. Unmonetized benefits are not included here. Proposals typically do not present benefit-cost ratios, because they do not include the non- monetized benefits. Portfolio Benefit-Cost Ratios 23 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  24. Example: PSE&G Storm Hardening Results Purported Costs and Benefits for Entire Storm Hardening Proposal $1,800 PSE&G Provides Monetized Values for All Benefits $1,600 Resilience Costs or Benefits (Millions of PV Dollars) $1,400 Communications ADMS $1,200 Reclosing Sectionalization Hardening $1,000 Spacer Cable $800 $600 Substation Upgrades Reliability $400 Station Flood and Storm Surge $200 Day to Day Cost Reductions $0 Costs Benefits 24 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  25. Example: Grid BCA Results Purported Costs and Benefits for Entire Grid Mod Portfolio Proposal $400 Unmonetized Benefits The unmonetized benefits must exceed this much for the investment to be cost-effective $350 25 System Planning Distribution O&M DER Integration Customer Satisfaction Qualitative Benefits Millions of Dollars (NPV) $300 VVO $250 Electricity Cost Savings $200 FLISR With Monetized Benefits Only: BCR = 0.74 $150 Reliability $100 ADMS System Optimization $50 $- Costs Benefits 25 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  26. Example: ADMS Benefit-Cost Results Only 2 proposals provide monetized results for ADMS project in isolation. With very different results. Differences probably due to how benefits are characterized. Unmonetized benefits are not included in graph. Claimed Benefit-Cost Ratios for Portfolios and ADMS in isolation 4.5 4.0 3.5 Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 Portfolio BCR ADMS BCR 1.0 0.5 0.0 PSEG (NJ) Unitil (MA) 26 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  27. Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. HOW TO ADDRESS KEY GRID MOD BCA CHALLENGES ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  28. Grid Mod BCAs Key Challenges Challenge Description Differences are not clearly articulated. Alternatives are often bundled too much. Define reference & alternative cases Decide which BCA tests to use (i.e., which costs and benefits to include) Utility system? Policy goals? Society? Consistency with BCAs for other resources? Sometimes requires different metrics (e.g., resilience). Define costs & benefits Time frame & discount rate Utility, regulatory, or societal perspective? Account for qualitative impacts Many benefits are in qualitative terms only. Describe beneficiaries Sometimes unclear who enjoys some benefits. Many benefits depend upon interactions across components Account for interactive effects Proposals frequently do not include information needed to make key decisions. Present, Document, & Justify Results 28 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  29. Define Cases: Full Description and Justification This issue can mostly be addressed with robust filing requirements. The initial filing should clearly articulate: what already exists on the system what would exist in a future without the proposed investment what the proposed investments will be Feature Reference Case Alternative Case ADMS Not Included Included Localized Decision Making Centralized Decision Making Decision Making Decisions based on substation data only Decisions based on substation data and feeder level data Upgrade and refinement of GIS data to ensure accurate network connectivity between assets GIS No change to GIS model 29 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  30. Define Cases: Full Description and Justification Feature Reference Case Alternative Case DSCADA capabilities deployed to all feeder level assets DSCADA capabilities not deployed to feeder level assets DSCADA Upgraded DSCADA system to handle large amounts of data Limited DER Integration DERMS integrated with ADMS DERMS No DERMS AMI Limited AMI deployment Increased AMI deployment Based on Substation Data only Based on Substation and Feeder Level data VVO Automated FLISR Not Included Included Substation Automation Level only Substation and Feeder Level Automation Automation 30 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  31. BCA Tests: Decide Which Costs and Benefits to Include Which test (i.e., perspective) is most important: Utility System Perspective Impact on utility system (Utility Cost test) Societal Perspective Impact on utility system and society in general (Societal Cost test) Regulatory Perspective Impact on utility system and state energy goals (state specific test) This decision should ideally be made by regulators, with stakeholder input, prior to proposals being filed. 31 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  32. BCA Tests: California Standard Practice Manual The CA Manual has been universally used for energy efficiency Describes five standard cost-effectiveness tests: Utility Cost test: impacts on the utility system Total Resource Cost test: impacts on utility system and participants Societal Cost test: impacts on society Participant test: impacts on program participants Rate Impact Measure test: impacts on rates These tests are increasingly being used to assess grid modernization, DERs, and related initiatives. But the CA Manual does not address current needs: Does not address energy policy goals Has been interpreted inconsistently Does not address some key DER issues 32 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  33. BCA Tests: National Standard Practice Manual 1. Designed to update, improve, and replace the California SPM 2. Includes a set of fundamental BCA principles 3. Identifies the importance of accounting for policy goals in BCAs This is a key concept missing from the California SPM 4. Introduces the regulatory perspective Which reflects the overarching goals of providing customers with safe, reliable, low-cost energy services while meeting applicable policy goals 5. Articulates that there are multiple ways to develop a BCA test States are not limited to the Utility, the Total Resource, or the Societal Cost tests A test can include some societal benefits, but not necessarily all 6. Provides a framework for determining a state BCA test The primary test used in a state to determine whether benefits exceed costs. Might be one of the traditional tests, or might be a new one 33 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  34. BCA Tests: EPRI: Benefit-Cost Framework for the Integrated Grid EPRI report explains the rationale for both the utility and societal perspectives There is no mention of a Total Resource Cost test Source: Electric Power Research Institute, 2015, pages 9-3. 34 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  35. BCA Tests: U.S. Department of Energy: Modern Distribution Grid DOE report divides modern grid expenditures into four types: Type of Expenditure BCA Approach Apply a best-fit / least-cost approach. Similar to the Utility Cost test. To replace aging infrastructure Apply a best-fit / least-cost approach. Similar to the Utility Cost test. To maintain reliable operations To enable public policy or societal benefits Apply a Societal Cost test No need for utilities or regulators to conduct a BCA. Expenditures paid for by customers Concerns: (a) requires distinguishing by category; (b) results in inconsistent tests across projects/components/resources. Source: US Department of Energy, 2017, pages 39-44. 35 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  36. BCA Tests: General Trends Increased flexibility in choice of tests/perspectives Increased emphasis on: Utility system impacts Accounting for policy goals Societal impacts Less emphasis on: The Total Resource Cost test Rate impacts (except for DERs that reduce sales) Increased need for consistency: Across DERs Across utility investments 36 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  37. BCA Tests: Recommendations Decide upon test(s) prior to filing of grid mod proposal. Use stakeholder input to decide upon tests The primary test should reflect the state s energy policy goals. The same BCA tests should be applied to all types of utility investments. Conduct multiple tests: Utility system perspective: Should be used in all grid mod proposals Best reflection of impacts on total costs and average bills Regulatory perspective Best reflection of energy policy goals 37 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  38. Define Costs & Benefits: Examples of Challenging Metrics Metric Definition Reliability Maintain the delivery of electric services to customers in the face of routine uncertainty in operation conditions. Resilience The ability to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions and withstand and recover rapidly from major disruptions. Flexibility The ability of the grid to respond to future uncertainties that stress the system in the short-term and may require the system to adapt over time. Sustainability The provision of electric services to customers while minimizing negative impacts on humans and the natural environment. Affordability The ability of the system to provide electric services at a cost less than customers willingness and ability to pay for them. Security The ability to resist external disruptions to the energy supply infrastructure caused by intentional physical or cyber attacks or by limited access to critical materials from hostile countries. Source: Grid Mod Consortium 2017 38 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  39. Define Costs & Benefits: Examples from NJ Definition of Reliability, Resiliency, and Hardening Investments Reliability Resilience Hardening Mitigate outages during blue sky conditions Mitigate outages during disruptive events such as storms, floods, etc. Mitigate outages during disruptive events such as storms, floods, etc. Reduce outage duration and frequency Reduce outage duration Reduce outage frequency Enable facilities to continue running Promote a faster return to normal operations after a disruptive event Make the grid less susceptible to disruptive events such as storms, floods, etc. 39 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  40. Time Frame: Recommendations Filing requirements should: Articulate the study period (# years). Explain how the study period was determined. Justify the choice of study period. The time frame (i.e., study period) should include the full lifetime of the last project/component installed. If a component is installed in 2025 and has an estimated operating life of 15 years, the study should go through 2040 (even though impacts in later years have less impact). This issue should be decided and resolved prior to the grid mod proposal. 40 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  41. Discount Rate: Impacts can be Significant The choice of discount rate will have a large impact on the costs and benefits. 41 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  42. Discount Rate: Several Options The discount rate reflects a particular time preference. The relative importance of short- versus long-term impacts. Utility weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is widely used in Grid Mod and other BCAs Examples of discount rates Investor-owned utility WACC: 5%-8% Publicly-owned utility WACC: 3%-5% Utility customers: Varies widely Low risk: 0%-3% Societal: <0%-3% 42 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  43. Discount Rate: Limitations to Using the Utility WACC The goal of BCAs for unregulated business is different from the goal of BCAs in regulatory settings: For unregulated businesses, the goal of BCA is to maximize shareholder value. Investors time preference is driven entirely by investors opportunity cost and risk, and the WACC reflects both of those. For regulated utilities, the goal of BCA is fundamentally different: The goal is to provide safe, reliable, low-cost power to customers and meet policy goals. The goal is not to maximize shareholder value. Since the goal for a regulated utility is different, the time preference is also different. 43 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  44. Discount Rate: Recommendations (I) The choice of discount rate is a policy decision. The discount rate should reflect the time preference chosen by regulators on behalf of all customers. In other words, should reflect the regulatory perspective The regulatory perspective should account for many factors: low-cost, safe, reliable service; intergenerational equity; other state or regulatory policy goals. The regulatory perspective suggests a greater emphasis on long-term impacts than what is reflected in the WACC. Which implies a lower discount rate. 44 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  45. Discount Rate: Recommendations (II) Each state should choose a discount rate that reflects its own time preference and policy objectives. The same discount rate should be used in all utility BCAs: Grid modernization, DERs, IRP, distribution system planning Sensitivities can be helpful. For example: Use the utility WACC as a high case. Use a low-risk or societal discount rate as a low case. 45 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  46. Discount Rate: Sensitivity Analysis 500,000 450,000 Discount Rate = 7% 400,000 350,000 Cost or Benefit ($1000) 300,000 Net Benefits = $64 mil BCR = 1.3 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 Costs Benefits $500,000 $450,000 $400,000 Discount Rate = 2% Cost or Benefit ($1000) $350,000 $300,000 Net Benefits = $234 mil BCR = 1.9 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 2019 2028 Benefits 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 Costs 46 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  47. Interactive Effects: Apply Scenarios Filing requirements should include full description and explanation of how the different components interact. Proposal should present BCA results for each component in isolation. Unless the utility can justify otherwise for some components. Proposal should also present BCA results for different combinations of components. Especially of components that are most inter-dependent. Selection of grid modernization portfolio should be justified using the results of the different scenarios. 47 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  48. Interactive Effects: Example Small Bundle Bundle includes ADMS plus components that it integrates (GIS, DSCADA, and OMS). ADMS GIS DSCADA OMS Portfolio Monetary Impacts Benefits (PV$) 14 0.4 0 4 18.4 Costs (PV$) 10 1 2 3 16 Net Benefits (PV$) 4 -0.6 -2 1 2.4 Benefit-Cost Ratio 1.4 0.4 0.0 1.3 1.2 These are hypothetical values for illustrative purposes only. GIS, DSCADA, and OMS benefits include benefits expected in the absence of ADMS, and the ADMS benefits reflect incremental benefits accruing from those other components. 48 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  49. Interactive Effects: Example Intermediate Bundle Add FLISR and DERMS to the Small Bundle. ADMS GIS DSCADA OMS FLISR DERMS Portfolio Monetary Impacts Benefits (PV$) 18 0.4 0 4 4 1 27.4 Costs (PV$) 10 1 2 3 3.3 1.2 20.5 Net Benefits (PV$) 8 -0.6 -2 1 0.7 -0.2 6.9 Benefit-Cost Ratio 1.8 0.4 0.0 1.3 1.2 0.8 1.3 These are hypothetical values for illustrative purposes only. GIS, DSCADA, and OMS benefits include benefits expected in the absence of ADMS, and the ADMS benefits reflect incremental benefits accruing from those other components. 49 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

  50. Interactive Effects: Example Full Bundle Add AMI and VVO to the Intermediate Bundle. ADMS GIS DSCADA OMS FLISR DERMS AMI VVO Portfolio Monetary Impacts Benefits (PV$) 20 0.4 0 4 4 1 10 3 39.4 Costs (PV$) 10 1 2 3 3.3 1.2 13 2 33.5 Net Benefits (PV$) 10 -0.6 -2 1 0.7 -0.2 -3 1 5.9 Benefit-Cost Ratio 2.0 0.4 0.0 1.3 1.2 0.8 0.8 1.5 1.2 These are hypothetical values for illustrative purposes only. GIS, DSCADA, and OMS benefits include benefits expected in the absence of ADMS, and the ADMS benefits reflect incremental benefits accruing from those other components. 50 ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AREA ENERGY ANALYSISAND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DIVISION

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