Report/Case Study
The characterization study was comprised of both primary and secondary research. We reviewed studies germane to this project, interviewed Focus on Energy program staff and a select group of IT equipment distributors, surveyed a sample of Wisconsin businesses and conducted a limited number of SEDC site visits. We used the results from the survey of Wisconsin businesses and data gleaned from our literature review to quantify the potential for energy savings from measures targeting SEDCs. More
Report/Case Study
We studied the viability of performance-based procurement (PBP) to achieve higher energy savings, without increasing capital cost to owners, through early owner involvement, goal setting and energy modeling. The study also examined the role that conservation improvement programs (CIPs) could play in supporting this approach. We tested the PBP method in six pilot projects and observed the outcomes. We supplemented our study with assessment of existing programs, interviews and analysis through the Sustainable Buildings 2030 program, and outreach to energy modeling professionals.
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Report/Case Study
A recently completed CARD research project led by ILLUME Advising addressed the barriers small businesses face in reducing energy consumption. It estimated the achievable potential energy and bill savings of behavior-change approaches for small businesses in Minnesota. For 10 measures and six business segments studied in Minnesota, the research team estimated total achievable savings of 245.7 million kWh, or enough to power nearly 23,000 houses for a year, and 7.8 million therms, or enough to heat nearly 12,600 houses in the winter. More
Report/Case Study
Commercial roof-top units in Minnesota: characteristics and energy performance (supplement document)
RTUs are used in more than one third of U.S. commercial buildings, the highest of any cooling equipment type. Why? They are reliable and have a low capital cost, as well as established service and distribution networks. There is anecdotal evidence, however, that these systems operate inefficiently. To validate or refute this evidence, we conducted a multi-level field study sponsored by Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
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Report/Case Study
RTUs are used in more than one third of U.S. commercial buildings, the highest of any cooling equipment type. Why? They are reliable and have a low capital cost, as well as established service and distribution networks. There is anecdotal evidence, however, that these systems operate inefficiently. To validate or refute this evidence, we conducted a multi-level field study sponsored by Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
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Report/Case Study
The manufactured home market offers an affordable housing option—and sometimes the only option—for many would-be homeowners. Residents of manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) are more likely to be low-income than residents of other single-family homes, and energy costs may comprise a larger portion of their monthly expenses. We conducted a large-scale field study of Minnesota’s manufactured homes to identify energy savings potential and help inform energy efficiency programs that will save residents money. More
Report/Case Study
Slipstream, along with the Center for Energy and Environment and LHB, conducted a field research study to demonstrate and measure savings from potential plug load reduction strategies in office buildings. We also characterized the types of devices and baseline usage in those offices, and documented occupant acceptance, operational issues and the cost-effectiveness of reduction strategies.
This study was funded by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
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Fact Sheet/Guide
This fact sheet was developed as part of a commercial plug load study funded by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
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Report/Case Study
Minnesota Power is a winter peaking investor-owned electric utility with ~145,000 customers in its ~26,000 square mile service territory that covers central and northeastern Minnesota. The utility's Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) project includes a two-phase consumer behavior study.
The first (Phase One) evaluates customer acceptance to various forms and timing of information feedback about electricity consumption, while the second (Phase Two) evaluates customer response to a TOU rate with a CPP overlay. More