The Western Load Research Association
(WLRA)
Western Load Research Association
Fall 2008 Meeting & Conference
September 24-26, 2008
Seattle, Washington
Conference Announcement and Call for Papers
Our friends at Puget Sound Energy are proud to host the Fall 2008 Western Load Research Association meeting and conference in lovely Seattle, Washington, September 24-26, 2008.
Location
Renaissance Seattle Hotel
515 Madison Street
Seattle, Washington 98104
800-546-9184
http://www.marriott.com/seasm
Please make your hotel reservations by Tuesday, August 26th to guarantee a room
at the conference rate of $239 per night. You can call the hotel directly at 800-546-9184,
be sure to identify yourself as being with the Puget Sound Energy Western Load Research Conference
and use the group code of PSEPSEA.
Estimated taxi fare from SeaTac Airport to downtown is $35.00-$40.00 each way.
Registration:
Conference registration is $450, please register by FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th.
If paying by check, make checks payable to Puget Sound Energy.
Conference registration (and payment) can be completed online at:
http://www.loadresearchonline.com/WLRA or by
downloading sending the registration form to:
Puget Sound Energy
Attn: Lorin Molander, Rates & Regulatory Affairs
10885 NE 4th St., PSE-08N
Bellevue, WA 98004
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.
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.
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.
Presentations need not be extravagant and a presentation can be as short as fifteen (15) minutes.
How to Submit:
If you would like to make a presentation, please fill out the
"Call for Papers"
form and email to Mary Graesch, WLRA Co-Chair (mgraesch@idahopower.com,
fax (208) 388-6647).
Expanded Roundtable Discussions
The Fall Conference will continue to feature expanded roundtable discussions. If there are topics
you would like discuss during the roundtables, please make sure to note them on your
Conference Registration Form.
Vendor Reception
Energy Insights will host the Vendor Reception on Wednesday, September 24th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
Vendors who would like to participate should contact WLRA Co-Chair and Energy Insights
Analyst Kelly Marrin.
Special Evening Dinner Event - Evening Cruise and Salmon Bake
This Fall's special group event will include a beautiful cruise of the Puget Sound to the Tillicum
Village for a salmon dinner and an evening performance. It will be held on Thursday, September 25th
and we will leave from a pier about 8 blocks from our hotel (walking distance). Additional guests
may attend for $73.00.
For additional information, please contact
Puget Sound Energy Conference Host:
Lorin Molander 425-456-2103
lorin.molander@pse.com
WLRA Co-Chairs:
Mary Graesch 208-388-2835
mgraesch@idahopower.com
Kelly Marrin 909-210-0797
kmarrin@energy-insights.com