RTF’s Engagement with Research Jennifer Light RTF Policy Advisory Committee February 19, 2016

Primary Goal of Presentation Develop a clear, complete picture of how the RTF leverages and informs regional research. 2

Background This has been an ongoing conversation with the RTF PAC: Started with a question around how does the RTF best work with those doing research in the region to answer RTF research questions when the RTF: – Does not directly fund primary research – Leaves prioritization of research dollars to those doing research The question was expanded to understand how does the RTF connect to and leverage research on questions that the RTF has not specifically defined 3

Category Proven 3 Stakeholder interest in measure? Existing data sufficient for Proven? Small Saver appropriate? Start Review of New or Existing Measure Appropriate funded research identified Do not allocate resources or deactivate measure Category Planning Requires RTF Research Strategy Category Provisional; Requires RTF Research Plan Category Small Saver No Yes No Yes No Yes How Measures Get Categorized Regional research can come in at any point in the process

Category Proven 3 Stakeholder interest in measure? Small Saver appropriate? Start Review of New or Existing Measure Appropriate funded research identified Do not allocate resources or deactivate measure Category Planning Requires RTF Research Strategy Category Provisional; Requires RTF Research Plan Category Small Saver No Yes No Yes No Yes Starting on Measure Requires Data Existing data sufficient for Proven? We start with a well-defined measure, including technical specifications, eligibility criteria, measure identifiers, etc. – The measure may change based on data This could be a new or existing measure – Existing measures are typically driven by sunset dates – New research may trigger review at any time

Three Examples New Measure: Low-E Storm Windows New measure proposed by Bonneville and of interest to many utilities Bonneville funded research at PNNL lab homes These field performance data supported: Development of new, Proven UES for both Single Family and Manufactured Homes Existing Measure: Clothes Washers Measure reached sunset date and RTF reviewed and updated analysis NEEA collected sales data as part of broader market analysis research These market data supported: Improvement of the RTF baseline assumption Existing Measure: Duct Sealing in MH Measure had not yet reached sunset date, but… PSE and Avista conducted evaluations of their duct sealing programs These evaluation data supported: Development of an updated, Proven UES Modification of measure based on what is actually happening in programs 6

Category Proven 3 Stakeholder interest in measure? Small Saver appropriate? Start Review of New or Existing Measure Appropriate funded research identified Do not allocate resources or deactivate measure Category Planning Requires RTF Research Strategy Category Provisional; Requires RTF Research Plan Category Small Saver No Yes No YesNo Yes Is More Research Worth It? Existing data sufficient for Proven? Estimate the regional technical savings potential RTF judgement call as to whether potential is worth “Proving” out the savings RTF does not have a specific threshold for “small” at this time Yes No

Yes Category Proven 3 Stakeholder interest in measure? Existing data sufficient for Proven? Small Saver appropriate? Start Review of New or Existing Measure Appropriate funded research identified Do not allocate resources or deactivate measure Category Planning Requires RTF Research Strategy Category Provisional; Requires RTF Research Plan Category Small Saver No Yes No Yes No Yes Filling Significant Research Gaps

Cheat Sheet: Planning vs Provisional Planning Sponsors not yet identified (or specific, funded research plan not yet written) RTF develops a Research Strategy RTF approval means RTF: Agrees with research goals Believes proposed method of data collection and analysis provides a reasonable path forward Acknowledges that sponsors might alter research design Evaluation: Treated as Other UES (i.e. RTF UES estimate not used) Provisional Sponsors identified (a specific, funded research plan has been written) RTF develops an RTF Research Plan RTF approval means RTF: Agrees RTF Research Plan meets some or all of the research goals Agrees Plan captures potential limitations for advancing measure Anticipates research results will be sufficient for evaluating savings Evaluation: Evaluated savings to be based on research results, if available (or treated as Other UES) 9

Existing RTF Planning Measures Commissioning Controls and Sizing in SF and MH ASHPs Upgrades and Conversions in SF and MH Montana House 2 for homes with ASHPs Weatherization MH for homes with ASHPs Weatherization SF for homes with ASHPs New Construction Manufactured Homes Weatherization Multifamily New Construction Multifamily Res Clothes Dryers Res Heat Pump Water Heaters DHP for Forced Air Furnace Homes in SF and MH Res Advanced Power Strips (certain applications/technologies) Duct Sealing in SF Com Smart Plug Power Strips Res and Com Thermostatic Shower Restriction Valve 10 All these measures are tied to a single Research Strategy focused on understanding commissioning controls and sizing practices These relate to ensuring our SEEM calibration reflects the real world NEEA to sponsor Another high priority

Existing RTF Provisional Measures Scientific Irrigation Scheduling Res Advanced Power Strips (IR-Sensing/Home Entertainment) 11 We may need to revisit the status of this measure due to changes in research plans

How is the RTF Connecting on Research? Facilitating Research Sponsors Group – Currently focused on RTF Planning measures – Supporting discussions of potential coordination, where parties are interested Participating in Northwest Research Group – Give regular updates on RTF research questions – Opportunity to hear about research in the region that might inform RTF measure development/updates Plan to monitor Council Forum on research – More on this during a later agenda item 12