ERS is a DNV company
ERS and our team of subcontractors are leveraging our expertise with energy efficiency measures, energy storage, grid impacts, demand reduction, load shifting, renewable energy systems, CHP, and other distributed energy resources (DER) to help the Efficiency Maine Trust assess the reliability, deployability, capacity, and concurrence of NWAs to provide permanent and/or peak period demand reduction during critical time periods and/or events. ERS will work with the Trust to facilitate the implementation of the behind-the-meter NWAs through outreach and coordination with the sites and customers identified for NWAs.
ERS conducted an economic analysis of costs and benefits of energy storage system deployment in New York State. We investigated a range of system sizes, operating configurations, and value streams including demand response and demand charge management under multiple utility tariffs leveraging our DERIVE platform in a “batch” run scenario. A rate analysis was conducted to determine which tariffs were economically advantageous for energy storage deployment. Results of this model were utilized to develop best-fit characteristics for energy deployment sites.
The Advancing Commonwealth Energy Storage (ACES) program sponsored by MassCEC awarded $20 million to 26 energy storage projects representing 9 use cases, 14 business models, and a broad array of technologies. Installations include in-front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter, large commercial buildings, municipal utilities, and aggregated residential sites. ERS is establishing data transfer protocols for each project; we will determine actual cost reductions and revenue streams and compare results to those predicted. In addition, we will determine other benefits such as GHG reductions, emergency backup power, and transmission system upgrade deferrals.
The DERIVE™ Platform is a modular, flexible load modeling tool designed to simulate operation of DERs including CHP, PV, and ESS; energy efficiency and DR reductions to load; and strategic electrification measures such as EVs and heat pumps. The platform supports the program life cycle, from design and planning, through technical assistance and implementation, and ultimately evaluation. Developed as a site level technical and economic screening tool, when utilized in a batch-run configuration the platform supports utilities in aggregate analyses such as market sizing, measure potential studies, and grid modeling.
ERS verifies savings-to-investment ratios (SIR) for proposed projects meet the CT Green Bank’s guidelines. We conduct independent engineering reviews of project files to confirm compliance and verify energy savings for energy efficiency measures and power generation for solar PV. In addition, we conduct due diligence on project costs, energy cost savings, federal income tax credits, MACRS depreciation, RECs, utility incentives, grants, and other value streams associated with the proposed projects. ERS also conducts post-installation site visits for CT Green Bank projects to confirm they have been installed as detailed in the proposed scope of work and that they conform to all assumptions made for the SIR calculations.
Con Edison contracted with ERS to provide technical assistance (TA) and measurement and verification (M&V) for new technologies and custom energy-saving measures through its large commercial, small business, and multifamily programs. ERS’s M&V services help quantify peak demand savings associated with the Demand Management Program (DMP). The DMP targets 125 MW of verifiable savings to ensure grid reliability in Con Edison’s service territory.
ERS provided technical assistance, engineering insights, and M&V on over 500 projects. The team conducted M&V for measures including lighting retrofits and advanced controls; chilled water and chiller plant upgrades for electric-, steam-, and gas-driven systems; battery and thermal storage systems; and demand response schemes involving on-site generators, battery storage, and controls.
ERS was selected by the State of Rhode Island to develop new Stretch Codes for both residential and commercial new construction and renovations. “Stretch” or “reach” codes are important tools for states and cities for improving efficiency and adopting renewable energy strategies for the built environment. The Rhode Island Governor’s office issued a directive for the establishment of a high–performance code that would be mandatory for publicly-funded projects and encouraged and promoted private construction with incentives. The Stretch Codes were published in 2018 and ERS conducted trainings for third-party verifiers, code officials, and design and construction professionals.
ERS is leading a joint impact and process evaluation of National Grid’s Electric Vehicle programs for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, conducting evaluation activities concurrently with program delivery.
In Massachusetts, ERS is leading a team with support from Illume Advising to conduct general population surveys on EV perceptions and attitudes, with additional focus on EV owners and charging behavior. ERS is analyzing EV charging data for all stations incentivized by the program to determine charging trends based on time-of-day, location, and duration across Level 2 and DC Fast Charging (DCFC) stations.
In Rhode Island, ERS is evaluating charging station development incentives, a discount rate pilot for DCFC station hosts, and a Fleet Advisory Services program to conduct fleet electrification studies for municipal vehicles, universities, and other organizations. Additionally, ERS is evaluating the RI Off-Peak Charging Rebate Pilot Program, a randomized control trial that seeks to incentivize EV owners to charge their vehicles during off-peak periods.