Hello,
The Beta version of SAM (SAM 2011.7.12) includes a reworked Utility Rate page that downloads rate data from the new Version 2 of the
National Utility Rates Database
. The Utility Rate page in SAM 2013.1.15 and older versions worked with Version 1 of the database.
The new version can represent rate structures like the Public Service Company of New Mexico Rate No. 4B that have a tiered-time-of-use demand charge. I tested the rate import function in SAM, and the rate structure seems to import correctly:
A (Customer Charge) imports the PNM Owned Transformer charges as a single fixed monthly charge because SAM does not have inputs for separate monthly charges:
Fixed Monthly Charge = ( $8,735 * 3 months + $7,100 * 9 months ) / 12 months = $7,508.75
B (On-peak Period Demand Charge) again imports the PNM Owned Transformer charges for billing demand above and below 500 kW during on-peak hours to the Time of Use Demand Charge inputs at the bottom of the Utility Rate page:
Period 1 (off-peak) Demand Charge = $0/kW
Period 2 (on-peak Jan-May, Sep-Dec) up to 500 kW Demand Charge = $0/kW, over 500 kW Demand Charge = $14.2/kW
Period 3 (on-peak Jun-Aug) up to 500 kW Demand Charge = $0/kW, over 500 kW Demand Charge = $17.47/kW
C (On-peak and off-peak Energy Charge) imports to the Energy Charge inputs:
Period 1 (off-peak) Energy Charge = $0.03658/kWh
Period 2 (on-peak Jan-May, Sep-Dec) Energy Charge = $0.05531/kWh
Period 3 (on-peak Jun-Aug) Energy Charge = $0.07043
This assumes that there are no power factor adjustment charges (D) and does not account for other applicable riders (F) or special tax and assessment adjustments (G).
Note that the rate sheet defines on-peak hours as applying to Monday through Friday, so the on-peak periods are not on the weekend matrix in on SAM's Utility Rate page.
Also, I've only copied the visible digits from the Utility Rates page in the values I show above, but SAM imports the full values. For example, the Period 1 Energy Charge appears to be 0.03658, but if you click in the cell and use the right arrow key to scroll to the end of the number, you'll see the full value of 0.0365815.
I've attached a SAM file (Beta version 2013.7.12) to your original post that shows how the new version of SAM correctly imports data for that rate sheet.
We'd really appreciate your feedback on the new Utility Rate page in the Beta version. If you have time, please download the Beta version from the
Downloads page
and let me know if you have comments.
Best regards,
Paul.