The first Technical Reference Manual (TRM) was developed in 2000 by VEIC[1] to ensure transparency in documenting and reviewing energy efficiency measures. TRMs were generally shared as a spreadsheet, and used by program administrators to calculate energy savings by a consumer, based on the specified energy efficiency measure data. Today, energy providers calculate incentives referencing measure descriptions specified in the Technical Reference Manual. Though the document is aimed at providing transparency, a need has been identified for an electronic version to improve energy efficiency tracking and rebate processing with the integration of legacy systems.
Today, ANB Systems, Inc. progressed developing eTRM as a central repository of energy efficiency measures for all jurisdictions, following are the fundamental questions have been raised:
- How did energy efficiency come in to practice?
- How are goals defined by energy efficiency programs?
- When did Technical Reference Manuals become significant for energy savings calculations?
- How many states have developed Technical Reference Manuals?
- What are the challenges in incorporating Technical Reference Manuals data for energy savings calculations?
These fundamental questions inspired us to develop a comprehensive solution to not only to support the necessary stakeholders of the energy industry but also to provide a collaborative environment for the management of the TRM development process with improved transparency and tracking.
In our recent whitepaper[2]: An electronic platform to manage Technical Reference Manuals (TRMs), the emphasis on upholding TRM best practices[3] and need for a central repository of energy efficiency measures is detailed.
The Rule of Three – Key components for a system to qualify as a platform for developing eTRM:
To develop, update, and publish measure details with highest degree of consistency and lesser margin of error, a TRM software solution must include three major components to enforce the application of best practices: Process, Structure, and Content.
After comprehensive analysis on TRM Best Practices and implementing three key components of an effective software solution: Process, Structure, and Content – ANB Systems, Inc. developed a central repository for all jurisdictions to manage energy efficiency measures, measure description, and all associated documentation. eTRM is highly configurable and can be integrated with energy efficiency tracking systems. The Access Control System helps the administrator to define the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders for administering the measure data.
