The Western Load Research Association
(WLRA)
Western Load Research Association
Fall 2013 Meeting & Conference
September 18-20, 2013
Fort Collins, Colorado
Conference Announcement and Call for Papers
Our friends at Fort Collins Utilities (FCU) are proud to host the Fall 2013 Western Load Research Association (WLRA) meeting and conference in Fort Collins, Colorado September 18-20, 2013.
Location:
The Fall 2013 WLRA meeting and conference will be at the Hilton Fort Collins:
Hilton Fort Collins
425 West Prospect Road
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
(970) 482-2626
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/F/FNLCOHF-AWE-20130914/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
Conference Registration:
Please register by August 26, 2013. Conference registration is $500. Conference registration and
payment can be completed online at http://loadresearch.com/event/wlra-fall-2013-conference/, or by
downloading and sending the registration form and check (payable to Fort Collins Utilities) to:
Fort Collins Utilities
Attn: Janet McTague
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Hotel Reservations:
You must make your hotel reservations by August 29, 2013 to guarantee room availability and
to secure the conference rate of $119 for a Standard Room, or $139 for a King Deluxe Room (plus taxes) per night. Reservations can be made by either of the following ways:
- Telephone: (970) 482-2626
- Online at http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/F/FNLCOHF-AWE-20130914/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG.
Transportation:
The distance from Denver International Airport to the conference hotel is 55 miles. A taxi is $70 each way and rental car rates vary by company. Shuttle service is $66 round trip and can be reserved online at
http://greenrideco.hudsonltd.net/res?USERIDENTRY=WLRA&LOGON=GO
The conference hotel does not offer complimentary shuttles to or from Denver International Airport. If you arrive at the conference by car, note that parking at the hotel is complimentary. The hotel offers free use of their shuttle service to take guests to and from the downtown area.
Special Evening Event Tour of New Belgium Brewery (and perhaps a sample or two) followed by dinner at the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Be our guest on Thursday night as we take you for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of our local breweries, famous for their beer as well as their conservation and load management efforts. Dinner will follow the tour at one of our popular local restaurants known for their legendary margaritas. You ll be free to wander downtown to experience the many unique shops, galleries and music venues and then to jump on the free shuttle back to the hotel at your leisure. Additional guest tickets will be $40.
Call for Papers:
Presentations at the conference will continue to demonstrate that load research and load forecasting are great tools for dealing with the newer challenges of the modern electric utility industry. This includes smart grid implementations, demand response, renewable energy, dynamic pricing programs, and time-of-use rates, as well as the traditional regulatory needs. Papers and discussions can focus on innovative new technologies and methodologies or the traditional principles of statistical analysis.
WLRA will accept papers on any subject related to load research or load forecasting, including but not limited to, least-cost sampling, end-use research, integrated resource planning, program evaluation, load profiling, innovative rate design, energy efficiency measures, and peak-demand forecasts.
WLRA is continuing to expand utility involvement, and special priority consideration will be given to utilities wishing to make presentations. 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
If you would like to make a presentation, please fill out the attached
"Call for Papers"
form and email to Candice Churchwell (candicechurchwell@fscgroup.com ), WLRA Co-Chair. Please submit your paper by September 2, 2013.
Expanded Roundtable Discussions
The Fall Conference will continue to feature roundtable discussions. If there are topics you would like to discuss during the roundtables, please make sure to note them on your Conference Registration Form or contact Candice Churchwell directly (see contact details below).
Vendor Reception
WLRA is pleased to announce that Freeman, Sullivan & Company will be organizing this year s vendor reception. The reception will be held in the evening on Wednesday, September 18th. As always, this is a great opportunity for attendees to catch up with colleagues from across the west, network with new providers and experts and enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
For more information, please contact
Conference Host:
Bill Switzer
970-221-6700
bswitzer@fcgov.com
WLRA Co-Chairs:
Candice Churchwell
415-777-0707
candicechurchwell@fscgroup.com
Greg Mandelman
415-973-4778
gbm7@pge.com