Looking to build on the success of LEED, the Perfect Power Institute has developed a similar certification program for power systems. Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal (PEER) evaluates the performance and modernization of electric grids across four outcome categories:
1) Enabling customer action – By giving them more access to electricity provider information, consumers can play a role in reducing demand and improving the system if they're properly informed and incentivized. This category measures customer care, protection, and incentives.
2) Operational efficiency – Like any business, electricity providers are expected to deliver their product at reasonable rates. By measuring a provider's operational efficiency, which includes capital spending, microgrid contribution, and overall production efficiency, consumers can get a better idea as to what their electricity provider is investing in and the value of those investments relative to rates.
3) Reliability, power quality, and safety – Because of its vital necessity to the modern way of life, electricity should always be reliable and disruptions minimal. Included in this category is the general safety information for the specific electricity provider as well as power quality and supply.
4) Energy efficiency and environment – These measurements are designed to assess the relative environmental impact and encourage the use of cleaner energy. Included within this designation are air emissions, renewable energy credits, and power delivery impacts.
The Perfect Power Institute hopes that PEER will encourage customers to be involved with the efficiency of their local electricity grids. The system is also designed to encourage providers to increase their renewable energy production and give them hard evidence in support of future energy investments. The tool was developed by USGBC and Underwriters Laboratories, among others in the industry.
Wondering how your electricity provider stacks up? Take a look at the National Utility Rate Database to learn more.
