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Consultation Archive
Evaluation, Measurement and Verification

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Evaluation, measurement and verification (EM&V) plays an important role in planning and operating the conservation programs at the OPA. EM&V is the undertaking of studies and activities aimed at assessing the impacts and effectiveness of a conservation program on its participants and/or the market. It evaluates energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.

The Integrated Power System Plan points to EM&V as the mechanism behind making conservation a reliable and sustainable resource.

EM&V will provide regular feedback about conservation program performance and will lead to better estimates of conservation potential and the development of more effective programs and activities to secure it.

The Evaluation Framework document, represented in Figure 1, provides the background for a consistent and systematic methodology for tracking, reporting and evaluating the impacts and effectiveness of Conservation programs funded by the OPA.

The individual components which together form the Evaluation Framework, that will enable this consistent and systematic methodology, are described in detail in the supplemental documentation provided.

Figure 1

Please click to view larger version
with links to PDF files

The OPA plans on completing evaluations for all programs it manages. The assessments will demonstrate the cost effectiveness, net energy and peak demand savings achieved, consider the impact of buyers and sellers in the market, and make suggestions around program design and delivery system improvements.

The OPA has created an EM&V business unit that will oversee the independent evaluation of conservation program activities and their reported results in fulfilling these functions. Accurate, reliable and verified results will help in arriving at effective and objective decisions with regards to Ontario’s energy future.

Stakeholders

The OPA engages with stakeholders regularly in the development and operation of its conservation programs and initiatives. As the OPA establishes its EM&V framework the OPA will interact with stakeholders to ensure that the Evaluation Framework is reflective of the conservation goals.

Stakeholders interested in providing additional feedback on the framework design may do so by sending their comments through e-mail to submissions@powerauthority.on.ca by no later than Thursday November 15th, 2007. Please specify “EM&V Framework” in the subject line.

Key issues for stakeholder consideration while reviewing this documentation include:

  • The concept of an EM&V Framework to guide program design, cost-effectiveness testing and evaluation work for OPA's Conservation program portfolio
  • New measures and assumptions list with substantiation and process for nomination of new measures
  • The concept of a "Certified EM&V Professional"
  • Positioning of the Evaluation Protocols

You may also wish to consider the following questions for your written submission and feedback. 

Webcast/Teleconference Presentation on the EM&V Framework

On Thursday October 25, 2007, the OPA hosted an open webcast/teleconference where staff outlined complete details of the EM&V framework and answered questions from stakeholders.

To listen to the archive please visit:
http://events.onlinebroadcasting.com/opa/102507/index.php

Related Content
Additional Background
Further information on EM&V.
Related Downloadable Files
Adobe Acrobat OPA EM&V Framework
[572,647 bytes]
The general overview describes and explains the OPA’s approach to conservation evaluation and connects all the aspects of the EM&V process.
Adobe Acrobat OPA Measures and Assumptions List
[3,216,354 bytes]
The measures and assumptions are included in a comprehensive list that considers all the relevant variables pertaining to the measures included in the OPA’s conservation programs.
Adobe Acrobat Certified M&V Professional
[497,707 bytes]
The OPA is exploring the option of creating a certification process for M&V consultants who would serve the Commercial/Institutional and Industrial conservation programs.
Adobe Acrobat OPA Cost Effectiveness Tests Guide
[1,271,765 bytes]
The guide describes the methodologies behind the five cost effectiveness tests commonly used to evaluate Conservation programs and in what situations they should be applied.
Adobe Acrobat OPA Evaluation Protocols
[892,550 bytes]
The evaluation protocols serve as terms of reference that describe acceptable methods for evaluating OPA conservation programs.
Adobe Acrobat Program Design Evaluation Input Template
[520,378 bytes]
This tool allows for the screening of a programs objective, delivery strategies and included measures pre-program delivery to identify areas of evaluation focus.
Adobe Acrobat OPA Draft Evaluation Plans
[359,103 bytes]
Draft Evaluation Plans are a critical element to the program design function. They form the basis for determining all program related assessments and identify which protocols require consideration from the EM&V Manager.
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