Real-Time Utility Program Performance Evaluation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utilities face challenges in evaluating the performance of efficiency programs in real-time, making it difficult to determine if targets are met during implementation, leading to potential sanctions or over-engineering of projects.
Innovation Solution
A system for real-time provisional evaluation of utility program performance, using pre-treatment performance profiles and current usage data to calculate actual savings, allowing for continuous assessment and adjustment of programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If utilities wait until program completion to evaluate performance, then evaluation thoroughness is improved, but timeliness of assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation actions during program implementation by continuously collecting and analyzing usage data against pre-treatment baselines. This allows utilities to assess program performance mid-stream rather than waiting for completion, resolving the contradiction by enabling timely assessment without sacrificing evaluation rigor through the use of provisional evaluation reports that can be updated as more data becomes available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If utilities implement real-time evaluation, then ability to make adjustments is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary evaluation layer that sits between program implementation and utility decision-making. The provisional evaluation report serves as this intermediary, translating raw usage data into actionable performance assessments. This mediator simplifies the complexity by providing a structured framework for real-time analysis without requiring utilities to build complex evaluation systems from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where usage data is collected, analyzed against baselines, and presented in provisional evaluation reports that inform program adjustments. This feedback mechanism enables utilities to adapt programs in real-time based on actual performance data, resolving the contradiction by making the system adaptable through automated feedback rather than manual complexity.
3Reliability
If utilities over-engineer programs to mitigate sanction risk, then program reliability is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms static, over-engineered programs into dynamic, adaptive programs that respond to actual performance data. By using provisional evaluation reports to continuously assess whether programs are meeting targets, utilities can adjust program scope and intensity in real-time, maintaining reliability through active monitoring rather than through excessive initial over-engineering, thus improving resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards automatic provisional evaluation of utility program performance. Treatment facilities may be determined depending characteristics of a project. A performance profile corresponding to each treatment facility may be generated based on historical information corresponding to each treatment facility. Current usage information and current weather information for each treatment facility may be determined. Pre-treatment usage information that corresponds to each treatment facility may be determined based on the performance profile and the current usage information and the current weather information. A program evaluation report may be generated that includes program realization information. Program realization information may be based on an aggregation of project savings information that corresponds to the treatment facilities. Project savings information may be modified based on confidence weights. A program evaluation report may include information from one or more comparison facilities.