Communi ty Energy Planning and Implementat ion: New Opportuni t ies for

Increasing Program Uptake

Tami Gunderz ik April 21,2015

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Agenda

1. Introduction 2. Program Overview 3. Origins of Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy 4. General Learnings

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Northern States Power Company

Minnesota

Public Service Company of

Colorado

Southwestern Public Service

Company

Northern States Power

Company Wisconsin

No. 1 wind provider Leader in conservation Leader in emission

reductions

Xcel Energy Inc.

Gas Customers 2.0 M Electric Customers 3.5 M

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Why Xcel Energy Support Community Energy Planning?

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Develop a better understand the energy needs of communities we serve

Better align the services and programs we offer with customer needs

Support the Xcel Energy philosophy of community engagement

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Partners in Energy Overview

Objective: Engage with the communities we serve by providing them with tools and resources to develop and carry out their energy action plan. Target Market: Top 50 cities by electric revenue in Colorado and Minnesota service territories Commitment: 24 Months

– 6 months planning • Community leaders and representatives • Xcel Energy at the table

– 18 months implementation • Incorporate Xcel Energy’s programs as appropriate

– Ongoing Exchange – webinar, office hours, user group

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Sample Planning Process

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Kick-off meeting with coordinator and Xcel Energy team

WORKSHOP

Community provides shape file

1 > > > Develop vision and study baseline data

Community profile used to identify baseline and opportunities

Community profile used for scenario planning

Community Profile Used for Tracking Activity

WORKSHOP 2 WORKSHOP 3 WORKSHOP 4

Identify focus areas; begin drafting goals

Finalize goals and focus areas; develop tactics Energy Action Plan is

Approved; Implementation resources are identified to begin actions

Month 1 Month 3 Month 6

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Implementation Support

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Project Management

Communication Assistance and

Resources

Tracking and Measurement

Celebration and Recognition of

Successes

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Origins of Partners in Energy

1. Community Energy Efficiency Planning Pilot (CO) • Design • Drive incremental conservation by introducing a community plan • Initially no implementation support

• Learnings • Need implementation support • To be successful you need community committment

2. Xcel Energy adjusts to address industry changes • More services and options • Communities => stakeholder engagement

3. Best Practices from other programs

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Early Wins!

• Xcel Energy has a positive community presence Relationship building

• Unprecedented for Xcel Energy communities • Benchmarking – community, residential, businesses • Tracking

Data

• Build awareness of Xcel Energy programs • Educate community leaders on regulatory process Education

• Brendle Group • MN - Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) • Vermont Energy Investment Corp (VEIC)

Good delivery team (You need to be able

to add value!)

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Early Struggles

Doesn’t match our utility structure • Account management • DSM vs. O&M

Timelines • Approval processes for

communities

Diverse priorities within a community • Growth in Colorado

Xcel Energy role • Providing guidance vs.

ownership • Trust

Data • Accuracy • Accessibility • Data Privacy – 15 x 15 rule

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Why Develop a Community Program?

Leverage community

infrastructure to reach new

markets

Build brand presence

Protect your market

Healthy communities

purchase more

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Good Opportunities to Collaborate With Local Governments

Programs • Low-income offerings • Recognition programs • Public recognition of achievements • New construction • Green Zones • Economic development • Alternative fuel vehicles

Data • GHG goals and tracking • Mandatory benchmarking • Energy challenges

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Community Energy Planning and Implementation: New Opportunities for Increasing Program Uptake��Tami GunderzikAgenda�Xcel Energy Inc.Why Xcel Energy Support Community Energy Planning?Partners in Energy OverviewSample Planning ProcessImplementation SupportOrigins of Partners in EnergyEarly Wins!Early StrugglesWhy Develop a Community Program?Good Opportunities to Collaborate With Local GovernmentsSlide Number 13