Estimating methodology for a large regional application of conservation voltage reduction

The authors describe a supply-curve methodology that can determine the conservation value of CVR (conservation voltage reduction) applied to many distribution systems in a region. It is shown that, in the area served by Bonneville Power Administration involving approximately 150 utilities, the systematic implementation of CVR could conserve between 170 and 268 average Megawatts at a cost of 5 cents/kWh. A large portion of this CVR resource would be available at less than 1 cent/kWh (142 to 230 AMW). The intermediate estimate of the regional CVR resource at 1 cent/kWh (179 AMW) exceeds the conservation potential (150 AMW) that is possible at the same cost from implementing major efficiency improvements (reconductoring, transformer replacement, and voltage upgrading) on Pacific Northwest transmission and distribution systems