Market Research
Surveys
Frontier performs numerous survey projects in support of its program design and evaluation services. Frontier recently deployed survey projects targeting AC contractors, residential home energy raters, and residential/commercial customers. Frontier also recently completed a number of site surveys in support of a technical potential evaluation for OG&E and PSO.
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Potential
Frontier Associates has considerable experience evaluating renewable energy technologies and programs for resource planning purposes. In April 2005, Frontier Associates completed a study of “best practices” in renewable energy programs for Public Service Company of Colorado. The study evaluated current and future program performance and costs, identified financial incentives (e.g. state tax credits, deductions) that influence PV economics, quantified the local cost of electricity, and in particular, the marginal summer peak energy rates in $/kWh according to PV system hourly profiles, and quantified the strength of the local solar resource. This study, in turn, led to that utility’s On-Site Solar Rebate program.
In August 2006 Frontier completed an evaluation of Public Service Company of Colorado’s Pilot Photovoltaic (PV) program. The study examined how PV systems perform relative to expectations, the cost of integrating PV into the electric distribution system, how their output compares to system load curves, and thus how they may impact improvements to the distribution, transmission, and generation systems.
Frontier conducted an energy efficiency and renewable energy solicitation for Brazos Electric Cooperative as part of the Cooperative's certification process for a power supply contract. This included evaluation of several demand-side and wind power generation station proposals. The company has also performed studies examining opportunities for new technologies for several gas utilities, and for new or underutilized technologies for the propane industry.
Finally, Frontier's staff has acted as the key contributor to Texas' statewide energy efficiency implementation project to produce deemed savings used by energy efficiency service providers. This involved producing or verifying demand and energy savings impacts resulting from dozens of end-uses, including renewable energy technologies such as solar water heating and photovoltaic systems.