An integrated resource plan (IRP) isn’t just a plan; it’s an involved process with multiple evaluation criteria that helps to determine both short and long-term load growth. Through a broad analysis of supply-side and customer service options, an integrated resource plan comes into fruition. IRP professionals gather for peer support of this process, and to better understand the challenges facing electric and natural gas providers in Western North America. Designed as a mix of interactive roundtable discussions and information-rich presentations, forum participants address topics such as resource management, data analysis and modeling, and stakeholder engagement.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Jon Cook, Principal Analyst, Salt River Project + Dan Schaefer, Engineer, Salt River Project
- Program Location
- Salt River Project
- 1500 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Who Should Attend
Directors, senior leaders and key organizational contributors who manage the aspects and objectives of their utility’s integrated resource plan are invited to attend. Service companies and special interests should contact WEI about involvement.
- Registration Options
Member: $549 USD
Registration price increases $100 after October 23, 2023. Registration includes digital materials and access to all event sessions and meals listed on the agenda.
- General Cancellation Policy
- Due to contractual obligations, cancellations received 15 business days prior to the program will receive a full refund. Cancellations received 6 to 14 business days prior to the event will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. No shows and last minute cancellations, 5 business days prior to the event or less, will be responsible for the full registration fee. Substitutions from your organization for the same event are always welcome.
- Participation Policy
- Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public. Recording is not permitted for any portion of the event.
- For more information contact Marco Henkel, Program Manager at (971) 393-3250.
Agenda
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Registration for Tour Participants
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Site Visit to Agua Fria Generating Station (optional)
Wholly owned by SRP and located in Glendale, Arizona, the Agua Fria Generating Station is a multifaceted energy center that hosts different types of power generation resources, including natural gas steam units, fast-ramping flexible turbines, battery storage and a small solar array. Resources at this site are essential for SRP to deliver reliable electricity on the hottest summer days, helping ensure the safety of families in the Valley. Transportation provided by SRP.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Registration + Networking Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Opening Remarks
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Current Challenges / Issues / Successes – Roundtable
Facilitator(s): Daniel Schaefer, Engineer, Salt River Project, Jon A Cook, Principal Analyst, Salt River Project
Join us for a dynamic roundtable discussion on the current challenges, issues, and successes in the world of Integrated Resource Planning (IRP). In this engaging session, participants will share their insights and experiences, addressing the pressing issues that shape the future of energy planning. From navigating renewable integration to grid reliability and beyond, this roundtable provides a platform for open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving within the IRP landscape.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Afternoon Break
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Navigating the Transition to Renewables: Capturing Operational Changes in IRPs
Speaker(s): Anant Kumar, Principal, Charles River Associates, Oliver Stover, Senior Associate, Energy, Charles River Associates
Discussion on the operational changes that must now be incorporated into IRPs. A large shift to renewables will require operators/forecasts to increase their look ahead windows. Significant training efforts will likely be required to help operators grow more comfortable with operating batteries, etc.
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Day 1 Wrap-Up + Next Steps
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WEI Hosted Networking Dinner
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Legacy Resources
Facilitator(s): Jon A Cook, Principal Analyst, Salt River Project
Speaker(s): Krystal Garcia, Senior Analyst, Resource Analysis & Planning, Salt River Project, Eric Robinson, Principal Engineer, Generation Engineering, Salt River Project
Exploring Legacy Resources in IRP: Lessons Learned, Short and Long-Term Retirements, and Repowering Strategies. This session delves into the challenges and insights of managing aging resources, considering their end-of-life in integrated resource planning. We'll discuss both immediate and future retirements, as well as options for repowering to meet evolving energy needs.
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Morning Break
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Traversing the Regulatory Landscape: Strategies, Challenges, and Collaborations
Facilitator(s): Chris Sandve, Chief Regulatory Officer, BC Hydro
This session offers a comprehensive exploration of the regulatory aspects within Integrated Resource Planning and the critical factors influencing the energy transition. Our expert panel will dive into the multifaceted dimensions of regulatory strategy and process, highlighting the intricacies of IRP requirements and their interpretations. We'll also discuss the dynamic nature of the regulatory cycle, examining how it can facilitate change and support the evolving energy landscape.
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Open Roundtable
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Forum Ends
Hotel + Travel
Please note, WEI does not have a group rate or discount arranged for a specific hotel. However, the following hotels in Tempe are a short distance from Salt River Project and are recommended for meeting guests that need accommodations the evenings of November 6-7, 2023. These hotels offer SRP negotiated rates (see below) and need to be mentioned when booking.
The AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix/Tempe Downtown
100 E. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 642-6140
$149/night
Hampton Inn and Suites Phoenix Tempe
1415 North Scottsdale Road
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 941-3441
$151/night