Programs for Integrated Industrial Audits: The Audit Process and Case Studies for the NSTAR Eco-Efficiency Program and the NGRID ISOS Program

摘要

Typical utility and other system benefit charge-funded efficiency programs forindustrial facilities address electric energy saving measures only. Such programs avoidcharacterization and quantification of other potential savings streams that may be readilyobserved for an electric efficiency project, and do not address project opportunities at all ifthere are no electric energy savings. The NSTAR Electric Eco-Efficiency and the NationalGrid USA Industrial Systems Optimization Study (ISOS) Programs take a different andbroader approach in providing industrial technical assistance and funding to their customers.These programs do continue to focus on electric energy efficiency, but also have an explicitgoal to investigate other savings opportunities, including: non-electric energy; industrialproductivity; water conservation; waste minimization; material usage reduction; andenvironmental emission reductions. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of ageneral integrated audit process and its objectives. We then discuss the Eco-Efficiency andISOS program?s alternative mechanisms for screening and qualifying measures (forincentives) that have both electrical efficiency benefits as well as other resource andproductivity savings. Use of these alternative qualification approaches can facilitate offeringincentives for projects that would otherwise not qualify for program funding. Case studyexamples of facilities that have participated in both of these programs will then be used todescribe the typical types of projects that have been developed.