The Western Load Research Association
(WLRA)
Western Load Research Association
Spring 2012 Meeting & Conference
March 7-9, 2012
Boise, Idaho
Conference Announcement and Call for Papers
Our friends at Idaho Power Company are proud to host the Spring 2012 Western Load Research Association (WLRA) meeting and conference in Boise, Idaho, March 7-9.
Location:
The Grove Hotel
245 S Capitol Blvd.
Boise, Idaho 83702
Phone: (208)-333-8000
http://www.grovehotelboise.com
Conference Registration:
Please register by February 15, 2012. Conference registration is $395. Conference registration and
payment can be completed online at http://www.loadresearchonline.com/WLRA, or by
downloading and sending the attached registration form to:
Idaho Power Company
Attn: Joel Clark
1221 W Idaho St.
Boise, Idaho 83702
Hotel Reservations:
You must make your hotel reservations by February 5, 2012 to guarantee room availability and
to secure the conference rate of $99 per night. Reservations can be made either of the following ways:
- Online at www.grovehotelboise.com, choose the “Reservation” tab on the top left side of the screen. Next, choose the “Groups” option at the top middle of the screen and a pop up for Attendee Login will appear. Enter the code “WLRA”, and click the “sign in” button. Select the dates for your stay on the left side of the screen, and the rates will appear. You can then complete the reservation process.
- Toll free at 1-888-961-5000 and ask to use the “WLRA” group code for the Idaho Power Company WLRA conference at The Grove Hotel.
Transportation:
The Boise Airport (BOI) is merely 3.5 miles from the hotel. The hotel offers a 24-hour, complimentary shuttle to the Boise Airport through Boise Shuttle Service. Hotel guests can pick up the complimentary shuttle outside baggage claim on the lower level in the designated ‘Courtesy Van Pickup’ area. The shuttles are red and green with various downtown hotel logos or all white with the hotel logos on the shuttle. Shuttle pickup at the airport occurs about every 10-15 minutes. If you have questions or concerns upon arrival, you may contact the hotel by using the complimentary phone kiosk just as you enter the baggage claim area. To return to the airport, guests should stop by the Guest Services Desk in the hotel lobby to make shuttle arrangements.
Special Evening Dinner Event -
The group activity will be dinner followed by an Idaho Steelheads hockey game on Wednesday, March 7. The event will be held at the CenturyLink Arena, which adjoins the Grove Hotel. The Idaho Steelheads will be playing the Bakersfield Condors (www.idahosteelheads.com). The group will be viewing the game from a private suite that features theater-style seats located on a private viewing balcony. Additional guest tickets may be purchased for $70.
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 Kristy Patteson (kpatteson@idahopower.com), WLRA Co-Chair. Please submit your paper by February 22, 2012.
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
We are in need of a vendor coordinator for this meeting. Vendors who would like to participate should contact WLRA Co-Chair Kristy Patteson (information below). If any vendor is willing to coordinate the reception this time around, we would be thrilled to have a volunteer. It is fairly easy, and you get to pick the food!
Additional Information
For those who are interested in skiing while in Idaho, a group rate has been arranged with the local ski area, Bogus Basin (www.bogusbasin.org). Bogus Basin is about 16 miles from downtown Boise, approximately a 30-40 minute drive. They offer great day and night skiing. The group rate is valid from March 2-11, and will save $10 per lift ticket (full-day, part-day, or night ticket). Ski/Snow board rentals are available at the lodge. Details will be provided to registered conference attendees before the conference.
For more information, please contact
Conference Host:
Joel Clark
208-388-5431
JClark2@idahopower.com
WLRA Co-Chairs:
Kristy Patteson
208-388-2982
kpatteson@idahopower.com
Candice Churchwell
858-636-5561
CChurchwell@semprautilities.com
