Tracking energy performance is a critical part of any Strategic Energy Management (SEM) engagement. A Performance Tracking System (PTS) can help automate the collection of energy consumption data from electric utility meters or sub-meters, along with production data or from other key energy drivers, into an online data energy management information system (EMIS). Improved awareness of how energy is used will lead to better, more-informed decisions that can result in verified energy savings. The measurement system and characteristics (i.e., frequency of data collection, data intervals, etc.) will vary by system and facility.
Each SEM participants is eligible for PTS co-funding payment to help offset the costs of PTS setup, installation and maintenance. Participants can qualify for PTS payments once the installation and operation of the PTS has been verified, and ESI is available to support participants in this process. Participants are eligible for two types of PTS co-funding:
- PTS Setup: the lesser of actual PTS cost(s), $15,000, or a utility-specified cap. This budget is a one-time allowance per participant. Once used, it does not renew with subsequent SEM enrollments. It can, however, be reported in multiple phases.
- PTS Maintenance: the lesser of actual PTS maintenance cost(s), $10,000 per two-year performance period, or a utility-specified cap. This payment can be paid in multiple phases, and it renews every two years with each new SEM engagement.
The initial PTS setup and installation may be required prior to starting a SEM performance period or may be concurrent with a performance period. After the initial setup/installation payment(s), annual PTS maintenance payments are also available. These maintenance payments cover annual services and other data barriers that may happen over the course of the SEM engagement. More information is provided in this flyer.
The optional Performance Tracking System Calculator is an easy way for utility customers to keep track of their PTS payments provided to each SEM participant, while including the necessary data and guidance to manually complete and save a BPA Unit Energy Savings, or UES, Measure Upload Template.
PTS payments are above and beyond other payments provided by BPA for verified energy savings (e.g., payments and savings associated with completed UES measures, nonresidential lighting, SEM, and custom projects).