CEA CEA Measurement & Verification (M&V) Protocols 3

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of an M&V plan developed before project implementation?

Accepted Answer

To document the methodology, boundaries, baseline, and procedures for determining savings during the performance period

Answer

An M&V plan defines upfront how savings will be calculated, what will be measured, and how disputes will be resolved, providing a shared reference for all parties.

Question 2

In M&V reporting, what does 'avoided energy use' represent?

Accepted Answer

The difference between adjusted baseline energy use and actual post-retrofit energy use

Answer

Avoided energy use = adjusted baseline energy – actual post-retrofit energy, representing the savings attributable to the efficiency measures.

Question 3

What is the significance of a high coefficient of variation (CV) in an energy regression model used for M&V?

Accepted Answer

It indicates high variability or poor model fit, reducing confidence in savings estimates

Answer

A high CV(RMSE) in a regression model indicates that the model explains energy use poorly, making savings estimates less reliable and potentially requiring a different M&V approach.

Question 4

Under IPMVP, which party typically bears the risk of 'performance risk' in an ESPC?

Accepted Answer

The ESCO (Energy Service Company)

Answer

In an ESPC, the ESCO guarantees the energy savings and bears performance risk — if savings fall short, the ESCO must cover the shortfall.

Question 5

What is 'persistence of savings' monitoring in long-term M&V programs?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing verification that energy savings are maintained over time as equipment ages or operational changes occur

Answer

Persistence monitoring confirms that savings don't degrade over time due to equipment degradation, operational drift, or system setpoint changes.

(CEA) Certified Energy Analyst Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Energy Analyst Practice Test

CEA CEA Measurement & Verification (M&V) Protocols 3