Scientific Irrigation Scheduling provisional analysis and research plan BPA December 2014

2 Baseline

Scientific Irrigation Scheduling Overview

A behavior based agricultural program that provides information to growers so they can optimize their irrigation.

Savings are estimated using the SIS calculator. The calculator converts water reduction to kWh savings.

The calculator estimates 10% water reduction.

The calculator accounts for system type, lift from water source & crop type to estimate the total water volume change.

Regional Technical Forum Review Background

Current RTF SIS protocol approved RTF vote that SIS out of compliance. RTF contract staff developed research plan and standard protocol In June, BPA committed to bring a provisional estimate and research plan to RTF

number of units sold kWh consumption per unit lots little the market average

number of sales kWh consumption per unit lots little 96 kWh the market average energy savings

number of sales kWh consumption per unit lots little 96 kWh 149 kWh - 96 kWh= 53 kWh energy savings 149 kWh consumption

number of acres % deviation from water requirement Under WR Over WR the market average

number of acres % deviation from water requirement Under WR Over WR the SIS program average

% deviation from water requirement Under WR Over WR The difference market program

Research Plan

Baseline Market Study

High-level principles  Water-requirement (the practice) versus actual (the absolute H20)  Population representative baseline  Requires field collection of data

Tasks  Determine population and sample segmentation (Dec 11)  Develop recruitment strategy (end of December)  Develop field data collection protocols (end of December)  Recruitment (January & December)  Begin field work February 2015

Population Program Opportunity =

lift deficit irrigation crop value

program coverage

crop rotation mixed fields

Grower Recruitment  Coordination with utilities  Unbiased sample vs. realities of recruitment limitations  Providing value proposition for study participation vs. keeping costs lower

Field Work  Consistency in data collection and data definitions  Safety protocols  Communication protocols