"NEA’s cogent energy analyses provide our clients with viable options for electricity conservation and industrial energy use."
NEA has performed energy economic analyses for clients for more than 20 years. Our studies have analyzed the residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural uses of energy, as well as trade-offs among hydropower, natural gas, geothermal, wind power, oil, and co-generation alternatives.
In the early 1980s, we analyzed the impacts of construction, rate changes, and deficits for the Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS). Since then, NEA has continued to conduct cogent, well-accepted energy analyses even as the industry has undergone dramatic changes.
NEA staff members have direct experience conducting analyses of electricity load forecasting and rate design, storage, and operations issues relative to wholesale power systems, and development of viable options for electricity conservation and industrial energy use. We have also prepared comprehensive studies on geothermal and wind power development, gas pipeline and electrical transmission lines, and the impacts of alternative flow levels at hydroelectric dams.
To date, we have produced 50 comprehensive reports for clients in federal, state, and tribal governments and investor-owned utilities. NEA has a solid reputation for producing high quality technical reports to support the information required by the Federal Power Act, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), U.S. Department of the Interior, and Indian Tribes. For example, we have conducted numerous studies on electricity rate design and impacts, relicensing of dams, socioeconomic impacts of re-operating hydroelectric projects, and the economic feasibility of new hydropower plants. This work includes overall project management and coordination of many technical experts in hydrology, fisheries, wildlife, stream geomorphology, cultural anthropology, and economics.
Project Highlights
Socioeconomic Impact Analysis of Changes
in the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project Flow Release Schedule
Sonoma County Water Agency, Santa Rosa, CA
NEA analyzed the impacts of changes in the flow release schedule of the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project on the affected region of Sonoma, Mendocino, and Marin counties in California. Impacts measured included municipal and industrial water supply, hydroelectric power production, minimum stream flows (including effects on recreation and tourism), and agriculture. Aesthetic impacts on the Russian River, as well as river and riparian habitats, were considered. IMPLAN software and input-output methodology were used to determine the indirect impacts related to changes in flows. The NEA report was submitted to Sonoma County Water Agency for use in FERC hearings.
Hydroelectric Industry Economic Benefit
Assessment
U.S. Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office, Idaho Falls, ID
NEA analyzed the benefits associated with hydropower, particularly those associated with industrial sectors, to provide a basic understanding of hydropower’s role in national and regional economies. An input-output model, developed with IMPLAN, was used to show inter-relationships between the electric services sector and other sectors of the economy. The model was used to estimate the contribution of hydropower to total industry output, jobs, and employee compensation. In addition to providing a national perspective, this study also involved two portions of the country where hydropower is an important source of electricity—central Maine and north-central Washington—where regional benefits were estimated. Tables were prepared showing base year data, backward and forward linkages, and total economic benefits to the nation and for the two regional study areas.
Licensing Conditions and Annual Charges
Related to Cushman Hydroelectric Project FERC Application
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Portland, OR
Section 4(e) conditions and 10(e) charges were developed in connection with the FERC relicensing of the Cushman Hydroelectric Project, which impacts the Skokomish Indian Reservation in western Washington. NEA coordinated the work of six subconsultant firms, including experts in fisheries, hydrology, power engineering, geology, sediment transport, wetlands, wildlife, and cultural resources. Impacts addressed included the loss of fish habitat and fish passage, potential flooding, changes in groundwater, changes in wetlands and wetland habitat, and impacts on cultural resources.
