The Western Load Research Association
(WLRA)
Western Load Research Association
Fall 2007 Meeting & Conference
September 26-28, 2007
San Francisco, California
Conference Announcement and Call for Papers
Our friends at Pacific Gas and Electric are proud to host the Fall 2007 Western Load Research Association meeting and conference in beautiful San Francisco, September 26-28, 2007.
Location, Location, Location:
The Conference will be held in the historic Handlery Union Square Hotel,
located in the heart of San Francisco.
The Handlery Union Square Hotel
351 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-781-7800
http://www.handlery.com/sf/
Call for Papers:
Presentations at the conference will continue to demonstrate that load research
is a great tool for dealing with the challenges of the modern electric utility industry,
including restructuring (or "re-regulation"), demand response, or time-of-use programs.
Papers and discussions can focus on innovative new technologies and methodologies or
the traditional principles of statistical analysis.
WRLA will accept papers on any subject related to load research, including the role
of load research in electricity procurement, least-cost sampling, new metering, end-use
research, integrated resource planning, program evaluation, load profiling, innovative rate
design, and marketing support. WLRA also encourages the participation by any and all people
involved in load research or related fields.
In order for the members to stay current on load research, presentations should involve
current projects, even if the final results are not yet compiled. Useful applications
are especially encouraged.
Presentations need not be extravagant and a presentation can be as short as fifteen (15) minutes.
Utilities Encouraged!
WLRA is continuing to expand utility involvement, and special priority consideration
will be given to utilities wishing to make presentations on these topics.
The continued success of the WLRA Conference depends on participation from utility members.
It is for this reason that utility presentations are particularly encouraged, but utility-vendor
partnership presentations are also welcomed, and vendor presentations will be considered.
How to Submit:
If you would like to make a presentation, please fill out the
"Call for Papers" form
send to Kelly Marrin, WLRA Co-Chair (kelly.marrin@sce.com, fax (303) 294-2289).
Deadline for Paper Submittal - Friday September 14, 2007
Expanded Roundtable Discussions - Your input needed!
Due to popular demand, the Fall Conference will also feature expanded roundtable discussions.
We are planning a more directed discussion with prepared topics. If there are topics you would
like to have discussed during the roundtables, please make sure to note them on your
Conference Registration Form.
Conference Registration: Cost and How To
Conference registration is $380. Please register by FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, since final
conference arrangements need to be confirmed with the conference location. If paying by check,
make checks payable to Pacific Gas & Electric.
Conference registration (and payment) can be completed online at:
http://www.loadresearchonline.com/WLRA or by sending the registration form to Patty Walters, WLRA
Fall 2007 Conference Coordinator for PG&:E.
Hotel Reservations
Rooms at The Handlery Union Square Hotel are available starting at $199 per night.
This rate is for rooms in the hotel's historic section. There is a limited
number of larger Club Rooms available for $239 if you choose to upgrade.
NOTE: It is imperative that you make your hotel reservation before FRIDAY, AUGUST 24
to secure a room. Reservations made after FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 will be on a space-available basis only.
To reserve your room, please contact the Handlery directly:
The Handlery Union Square Hotel
Phone: 415-781-7800
Fax: 415-781-0269
Email: Reservation-sf@handlery.com
Vendor Reception
Load research vendors will sponsor a tabletop seminar and reception on Thursday, September 27,
5:30pm - 7:30pm. Vendors who would like to participate should contact Joseph S. Lopes of Applied
Energy Group, Inc. Phone: 631-881-7113; e-mail: jlopes@appliedenergygroup.com
Special Evening Dinner Event
On Wednesday, September 26, join your PG&E hosts on a Taste of San Francisco Progressive
Dinner and Treasure Hunt. Through Chinatown to North Beach to Fisherman's Wharf we'll explore
the City armed with maps, appetites, a roster of great places to eat and a list of treasures to
collect. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams! (Wear comfy shoes and think layers!)
But fear not, if you'd rather not walk the distance (or ANY distance), transportation can be arranged.
If you wish to bring a spouse, friend or family member to the event, an additional ticket can be
purchased for $70 when you register for the conference.
For additional information, please contact
WLRA Fall 2007 Conference Coordinator for PG&E:
Patty Walters 831-458-1305 pwalters@waltersconsulting.com
(Patty is helping our PG&E hosts to coordinate the Conference)
PG&E Conference Hosts:
Raymond Wong 415-973-4772 RMW6@pge.com
Thomas Caruano 415-973-5334 TJC4@pge.com
WLRA Co-Chairs:
Kari Clark 303-294-2305 Kari.Clark@xcelenergy.com
Kelly Marrin 626-302-4877 kelly.marrin@sce.com