The Western Load Research Association
(WLRA)
Western
Load Research Association
Spring 2004 Meeting & Conference
March 24-26, 2004
San Antonio, Texas
Conference Announcement and Call for Papers
Our friends at MeterSmart are proud to host the Spring 2004 Western Load Research Association meeting and conference on the Riverwalk in beautiful San Antonio, Texas, March 24-26, 2004. Presentations at the conference will capture the theme that load research is a great tool for dealing with the challenges of the modern electric utility industry, from restructuring (or "re-regulation"), demand response, and "Back-to-Basics." Papers and discussions will focus on combining innovative new technologies with the traditional principles of statistical analysis.
WLRA would like to continue to expand utility involvement. Special priority consideration will be given to utilities wishing to make presentations on these topics. Presentations need not be extravagant and the presentation can be as short as fifteen (15) minutes.
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 compiled. Useful applications are especially encouraged.
The continued success of the Western Load Research 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. We have already heard from several vendors wishing to participate in the Vendor hour at a minimum.
If you intend to make a presentation, please fill out the attached "Call for Papers" form and send to
Susan E. McNicoll, WLRA Co-Chair.
Please send in your abstract today!!
How to Register
Registration (and
payment) can be completed online at: http://www.loadresearchonline.com/
or by sending the
registration
form
to your WLRA hosts
Mike Keith or Stephanie
Mullen.
Registration:
Registration is
$300.00 (25% less than last Fall!!).
Please register by March 12, 2004
Make checks payable to
MeterSmart, L.P.
Hotel Reservations:
Make reservations
before February 22, 2004 for $125.00 per night
Mention "MeterSmart Group", reservations after February 22
will be provided on a space available basis.
Holiday Inn Riverwalk
217 N. St. Mary's St.
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78205
210-224-2500 (ask for "MeterSmart Group" Rate)
210-223-1302 (fax)
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/satrw
The Holiday Inn
Riverwalk is located in downtown San Antonio. The hotel is within walking
distance from shopping at River Center Mall, Historic Alamo, and the
Market Square.
Tuesday Night Activity:
We haven't planned anything yet so if you have ideas let Susan McNicoll (sem4@pge.com) know and she will distribute to registered attendees and see what happens!
Vendor Reception:
Load research vendors will sponsor a tabletop seminar and reception on Thursday 5pm-7pm, March 25th. All vendors can contact Mike Keith (817) 385-3645, email Mkeith@metersmart.com, if you would like to participate.
Special Evening Event:
This year's special evening group event, held on Wednesday, March 24th, will be a Riverboat dinner.
We'll
dine aboard an open-air cruiser as we wind our way along a scenic waterway.
Sequestered 20 feet below street level, lay one of San Antonio's jewels
- the Paseo del Rio. Better known as the "River Walk" it winds
its way through the middle of the business district. The River Walk
has multiple personalities - quiet and park-like in some stretches,
while other areas are full of activity with European-style sidewalk
cafes, specialty boutiques, nightclubs and gleaming high-rise hotels.
If you wish to bring a spouse, friend or family member to the event, the amount will be $35 each. Let Stephanie know was soon as possible if you intend to do so.
For additional information, please contact:
Conference Host:
Mike Keith 817-385-3645
mkeith@metersmart.com
Stephanie Mullen 817-385-3647 smullen@metersmart.com
MeterSmart, L.P,
2212 Arlington Downs Rd., Suite 204
Arlington, TX 76011
WLRA Co-Chairs:
Susan McNicoll
415-973-7404 sem4@pge.com
Craig Williamson
303-385-0342
cwilliamson@primen.com