News
I am thrilled to have joined the Energetics team! I share their passion for vehicle electrification as integral element to achieving zero net emissions. In this role I will help Energetics develop and utilize tools to implement and evaluate sustainable transportation solutions. I will serve as a subject matter expert in the economics of vehicle electrification. This will include working closely with a team of engineers and other problem solvers to bring forth a clean transportation sector that addresses our critical environmental problems and serves as a model throughout our economy.
Moving On
Over the past 30 yeas I’ve had the pleasure of providing personalized consulting services to clients throughout the energy value chain. This includes 120+ energy studies since the firm was established in 1992. The focus has promotion of an efficient, interconnected electric grid that integrates renewable energy with energy storage, demand response and other distributed energy resources. I will bring these skills and relationships into my new role at Energetics. I can be reached at the same phone number and at rhamilton@energetics.com.
Consulting Practice Areas
Energy Storage and Electric Grid Integration. Ryn has helped develop and implement numerous energy storage pilot studies, evaluate options for storage and other distributed energy resources in ISO/RTO ancillary services markets and develop DERs to support local distribution networks.
Demand Response. Ryn has helped clients develop strategic plans surrounding demand response, estimate market potential, participate in ISO/RTO markets, analyze baseline methodologies, address issues with specific feeders and substations and manage user interfaces.
Strategy. The industry is changing quickly and organizations are facing complex strategic challenges. Ryn can bring the relevant issues and threats into focus and help you achieve competitive advantage.
Energy Efficiency. Ryn has helped utilities and jurisdictions bid energy efficiency into wholesale markets while keeping up with changing ISO/RTO rules, develop programs grounded in best practice, and convert ideas into meaningful action.
Impact Evaluation. Ryn is an econometrician with half a lifetime of experience advancing the practice of evaluation, measurement and verification through studies that artfully blend mathematics, engineering and behavioral science.
Project Snapshots
Assisted a Massachusetts utility in developing scopes of work for eight peak reduction demonstration projects that include three storage pilots, two thermal energy storage, two demand response and a software & controls pilot.
Performed an analysis of strategic electrification and efficiency opportunities in a large state’s large food and beverage sector.
Represented two clients on ISO-NE’s Demand Response Working Group, 2014-present.
Conducted a national roundup of strategic building electrification initiatives. Currently developing a set of best practices and recommended actions for broader adoption.
Provided an assessment of a client’s plug-in vehicle charging station technology to provide grid ancillary services.
Analyzed the market and utility program potential for heat pump water heaters, and provided a state-by-state incentives and best practices.
Assessed the financial and technical potential for a major demand response provider to sustain market growth and merit additional investment.
Prepared technical briefs on batteries and thermal energy storage technologies.
Developed profiles of a New England state’s top manufacturing sectors (transportation, chemicals, fabricated metals, machinery and computers & electronic equipment) for demand response and energy efficiency potential.
Prepared a status report on a utility’s emerging market and technologies program, documenting progress to date, early lessons and next steps.
Provided an independent assessment of the technical capabilities and market potential of an interactive energy management system to manage loads and provide grid ancillary services.
Performed an independent assessment of contractor regression models used to estimate kW impacts from four demand response programs.
Participated in development of NAESB national and state standards for measurement and verification (baselines) for demand response and energy efficiency resources.
Participated in development a business plan for a geothermal heat pump program in Madrid, Spain, followed by an implementation strategy the same year.
Identified opportunities for strategic building electrification (geothermal heat pumps, heat pump water heaters), and electrification developments in other leading states.
Benchmarked a utility’s clean power electrification pathway, with analysis of initiatives in states that are leading in GHG mitigation.
Analyzed a PJM capacity price surge in May 2018 and its implications for demand response for a utility.
Summarized the major takeaways from a PUC rate design forum to brief utility staff.
Examined the implications of legislation in a mid-Atlantic state pertaining to demand response and energy efficiency, with an emphasis on cost effectiveness testing and the manner in which dispatch hours are selected.
Contributed to position papers on renewable energy topics for a southern utility.
Participated in early development of a potential program in a west coast state to increase the penetration of geothermal heat pumps in selected commercial markets.
Managed the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium’s grant with EPA to oversee funded activities pertaining to geothermal heat pumps.
Participated in development of a business plan for the a mid-western state smart energy design center.
Participated in development of core principles to evaluate DOE energy efficiency standards for a trade association.
Participated in development of a vehicle congestion mitigation plan that included a fee for vehicles entering New York City.
Participated in the development of customized choice experiments supporting a mass transit market research study.
Prepared analytical materials for a workshop with senior management facilitated by a well regarded management consultant to develop a new strategic plan.
Conference Presentations and Panels
Hamilton, R. 2017. “Energy Storage and the Integration of Renewables and Distributed Energy Resources.” Grid Modernization Forum, moderator. April 2017.
Dobratz, D., Hamilton, R. 2016. “Market Transformation and the Distribution System Grid.” ACEEE National Symposium on Market Transformation. March 2016.
Hamilton, R. 2016. “Demand Response Gets Smarter: Realizing the Potential of DR on the Distribution System.” ACEEE National Symposium on Market Transformation, moderator. March 2016.
Hamilton, R. 2016. “Workshop on Smart Electric Vehicle Charging.” Moderator for session on ISO/RTO frequency regulation and reserves markets, Union of Concerned Scientists. June 2016.
Hamilton, R. 2016. “Policy and Regulatory Change for Advancing the Smart Grid.” Grid Modernization Forum, conference chair and a session moderator. January 2016.
Dobratz, D., Hamilton, R. 2016. “How Evolving State Policies are Fostering New Technology Investment for Control of Distribution System Loads and Advancing Grid Modernization.” Grid Modernization Forum. January 2016.
Hamilton, R. 2016. “Renewable-Centric Grid of the Future.” Smart Grid Observer, Virtual Summit. July 2016.
Hamilton, R. 2014. “Demand Response and Ancillary Services Opportunities for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.” ACI New Generation Demand Response and Ancillary Services conference.
Dobratz, D., Hamilton, R. 2014. “New Generation of Demand Response; Faster Response with Targeted Load Control – Utility Interface Business Models.” ACI New Generation Demand Response and Ancillary Services conference, workshop.
Hamilton, R. 2014. “Leveraging Tools to Talk about Smart Grid and Climate Change.” National Summit on Smart Grid and Climate Change, workshop. 2014.
Hamilton, R. 2014. “Ancillary Services Market Opportunities.” Peak Load Management Alliance conference.
Martinez, M., Hamilton, R., 2013. “Role of Demand Response Baselines in Estimating Participant Impacts.” Energy Utility and Environment conference.
Hamilton, R. 2012. “IDSM Developments and Early Lessons.” Association of Energy Services Professionals webinar, moderator of panel on integrating demand response.
Martinez, M., Hamilton, R. 2011. “Evaluation, Measurement and Verification Variations Across Jurisdictions .” Energy, Utility and Environment conference.
Hamilton, R. 2011. “NAESB Standards for Measurement and Verification of Demand Response.” Association of Energy Services Professionals, webinar.
Hamilton, R. 2010. “Demand Response Monitoring and Verification.” Peak Load Management Alliance, moderator.
