6311555889: MISO Flexibility Challenge: Advanced Methods for Forecasting Behind-the-Meter Energy Generation

ABSTRACT

The U.S. electric grid is undergoing a rapid evolution in the ways it generates, transmits, and distributes electric energy due to societal reduction of carbon usage, consumer usage pattern changes, and changing generation fleet. This forces energy grid operators to constantly adapt to the new business environment. As MISO manages the operation of its existing electric grid, it also needs to forecast future demand. One factor that complicates this forecasting is the presence of distributed energy resources, referred to in the industry as the Behind-the Meter (BTM) generation.

This Challenge is looking for advanced methods of forecasting Behind-the Meter energy generation.

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

OVERVIEW

The U.S. electric grid is undergoing a rapid evolution in the ways it generates, transmits, and distributes electric energy due to societal reduction of carbon usage, consumer usage pattern changes, and changing generation fleet. This forces energy grid operators to constantly adapt to the new business environment, adjusting their current operations and preparing resources for the future. Forecasting future load in various locations, therefore, becomes a priority.

One factor that makes forecasting the future load more difficult is the presence of distributed energy resources, often referred to in the industry as the Behind-the-Meter (BTM) generation. As the grid evolves, the BTM generation will play an increasingly larger role in the makeup of the bulk electric system. Obviously, the correct forecasting of the Behind-the-Meter (BTM) generation becomes important.

This Challenge is looking for advanced methods of forecasting Behind-the Meter energy generation.

This is an Ideation Challenge, which has the following unique features:

• There is a guaranteed award.  The award(s) will be paid to the best submission(s) as solely determined by the Seeker. The total payout will be $15,000, with at least one award being no smaller than $5,000 and no award being smaller than $2,500.
• The Solvers are not required to transfer exclusive intellectual property rights to the Seeker.  Rather, by submitting a proposal, the Solver grants to the Seeker a royalty-free, perpetual, and non-exclusive license to use any information included in this proposal, including for promotional purposes.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on DD-MMM-YYYY. 

Late submissions will not be considered.

After the Challenge deadline, the Seeker will complete the review process and make a decision with regard to the Winning Solution(s). All Solvers that submit a proposal will be notified of the status of their submissions; however, no detailed evaluation of individual submissions will be provided.

ABOUT THE SEEKER

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that delivers safe, cost-effective electric power across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Operating one of the world’s largest energy markets (with annual energy transactions worth more than $29 billion), MISO is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to create cost-effective and innovative solutions for our changing industry. To learn more about MISO and its mission, visit www.misoenergy.org  and read about its Strategy and Value Proposition.

ELIGIBILITY

Employees of Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and their families are not eligible to receive awards for this Challenge.

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A Wazoku Crowd Ideation™ Challenge is a broad question formulated to obtain access to new ideas, similar to a global brainstorm for producing a breakthrough idea or market survey which may include ideas for a new product line, a new commercial application for a current product, or even a viral marketing idea to recruit new customers. Ideation™ Challenge submissions are typically about two written pages, and Seekers receive a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use all submissions.

In an Ideation™ Challenge, Solvers may:

• Submit ideas of their own
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• Submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use

Solvers should not reveal any confidential information in their submissions. Often the Ideation™ Challenge will be followed by one or more of the other three Challenge types to further develop the ideas and gain Intellectual Property protection when the concept has been well-defined.