The Western Load Research Association
(WLRA)
Western Load Research Association
Spring 2009 Meeting & Conference
March 11-13, 2009
Atlanta, Georgia
Conference Announcement and Call for Papers
Georgia on My Mind!! Our friends at The Southern Company are proud to host the Spring 2009 Western Load Research Association meeting and conference in lovely Atlanta, Georgia, March 11-13, 2009.
Location
The Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
800 Spring Street N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
800-706-2899
http://www.gatechhotel.com
Please make your hotel reservations by Tuesday, February 10th to guarantee a room
at the conference rate of $189 per night. Non-smoking King-bed accomodations have been blocked
for this group.
-- Single Occupancy (full buffet breakfast for one) $189
-- Double Occupancy (full buffet breakfast for two) $199
You can call the hotel directly at 800-706-2899, be sure to identify yourself as being with
the Southern Company Western Load Research Conference.
Or, click on
Southern Company WLRA Reservations Link - Click Here.
Guests can also access the Western Load Research Association reservations link by logging on to the website www.gatechhotel.com , clicking on the button Group Booking and entering the group password wlra0309 (lower-case letters only).
Hotel reservation s hours are Monday through Friday 8am-7pm; Saturday 9am-5pm.
Estimated taxi fare from the Atlanta Airport to downtown is estimated to be $35.00-$40.00 each way.
Registration:
Conference registration is $450, please register by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20th.
If paying by check, make checks payable to The Southern Company.
Conference registration (and payment) can be completed online at:
http://www.loadresearchonline.com/WLRA or by
downloading and sending the registration form to:
The Southern Company
Attn: Crystal Yau, Load Research
241 Ralph McGill Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30092 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"), AMI and SmartGrid support, energy efficiency, 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, forecasting, innovative rate design, and engineering 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. Practical 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 Spring 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
This vendor host is yet to be named. The Vendor Reception on Thursday, March 12th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
Vendors who would like to participate should contact WLRA Co-Chair and Energy Insights
Analyst Lorin Molander.
Special Evening Dinner Event - Georgia Aquarium, Shuttle Tour and Dinner
This Spring's special group event will include visit to the largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Aquarium,
followed by an exciting Atlanta Downtown shuttle tour. We will then gather together to have a wonderful
and relaxing dinner in the Atlanta metro area. This will be held on Wednesday, March 11th.
Additional guests may attend for $65.00.
For additional information, please contact
The Southern Company Conference Host:
Crystal Yau 404-506-3925
cyau@southernco.com
WLRA Co-Chairs:
Mary Graesch 208-388-2835
mgraesch@idahopower.com
Lorin Molander 425-456-2103
lorin.molander@pse.com