Peak Load Management Alliance Launches Demand Response Training Series

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 8, 2014) -  The Peak Load Management Alliance (PLMA) is launching a Demand Response Training Series in response to priorities identified by its over 60 member organizations. The Series includes three in-person courses to be presented nationwide by established industry training providers and hosted at member utility locations. To learn more, visit www.peakload.org/?page=Training.

The first three courses to be offered will be:

• Introduction to Demand Response - a one-day, interactive course that provides a comprehensive overview of demand response topics and current issues from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders: utilities, retail energy providers, customers, Independent System Operators, and other demand response technology and services providers. This first training series course will be presented in partnership with Skipping Stone on November 3, 2014 in PECO offices in Philadelphia, just ahead of the 15^th Annual Fall PLMA Conference.
• Demand Response Markets - a two-day course that explores the structure of traditionally regulated, restructured, and emerging electricity markets; the role of market participants; and, a detailed review of the specific markets in which demand response participates. The course will be presented in partnership with UISOL and is slated to debut in 2015 at host utility Consumers Energy in Jackson, Michigan.
• Demand Response Program Design and Implementation - a two-day course covering the strategic factors impacting program design such as: the market environment, business drivers, financial goals, demand management goals, and the regulatory environment. A program implementation review will cover the tactics and methodologies used to improve program success, including a discussion of: organizational and resourcing strategies; contracting; business processes; performance management; technology; and measurement & verification. This course will be presented in partnership with Navigant Consulting and is slated to debut in 2015 at host utility NV Energy in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The primary audience for the courses includes utility and regulatory staff as well as other energy industry trade allies and organizations. Michael Brown, Manager of Demand Response & Distributed Energy Resources at NV Energy is Chair of PLMA's Education Committee. He notes, "PLMA is adding another channel for members and non-members alike to directly benefit from this experience through experiential learning with established industry experts."

Paul Tyno, PLMA Chair, says, "Staff at all levels should gain insight from the series. In addition to the formal curriculum, attendees will learn from a panel of representative PLMA board members during each course."