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Low-Income Energy Affordability Data - LEAD Tool - 2022 Update

The Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool was created by the Better Building's Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA) to help state and local partners understand housing and energy characteristics for the low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities they serve. The LEAD Tool provides estimated LMI household energy data based on income, energy expenditures, fuel type, housing type, and geography, which stakeholders can use to make data-driven decisions when planning for their energy goals. From the LEAD Tool website, users can also create and download customized heat-maps and charts for various geographies, housing, energy characteristics, and population demographics and educational attainment. Datasets are available for 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., along with their cities, counties, and census tracts, as well as tribal areas. The file below, "01. Description of Files," provides a list of all files included in this dataset. A description of the abbreviations and units used in the LEAD Tool data can be found in the file below titled "02. Data Dictionary 2022". A list of geographic regions used in the LEAD Tool can be found in files 04-11. The Low-Income Energy Affordability Data comes primarily from the 2022 U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year Public Use Microdata Samples and is calibrated to 2022 U.S. Energy Information Administration electric utility (Survey Form-861) and natural gas utility (Survey Form-176) data. The methodology for the LEAD Tool can viewed below (3. Methodology Document). For more information, and to access the interactive LEAD Tool platform, please visit the "10. LEAD Tool Platform" resource link below. For more information on the Better Building's Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA), please visit the "11. CELICA Website" resource below.

AMI↗

Low-Income Energy Affordability Data - LEAD Tool - 2018 Update

The Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool was created by the Better Building's Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA) to help state and local partners understand housing and energy characteristics for the low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities they serve. The LEAD Tool provides estimated LMI household energy data based on income, energy expenditures, fuel type, housing type, and geography, which stakeholders can use to make data-driven decisions when planning for their energy goals. From the LEAD Tool website, users can also create and download customized heat-maps and charts for various geographies, housing, and energy characteristics. Datasets are available for 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., along with their cities, counties, and census tracts. The file below, "1. Description of Files," provides a list of all files included in this dataset. A description of the abbreviations and units used in the LEAD Tool data can be found in the file below titled "2. Data Dictionary 2018". The Low-Income Energy Affordability Data comes primarily from the 2018 U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year Public Use Microdata Samples and is calibrated to 2018 U.S. Energy Information Administration electric utility (Survey Form-861) and natural gas utility (Survey Form-176) data. The methodology for the LEAD Tool can viewed below (3. Methodology Document). For more information, and to access the interactive LEAD Tool platform, please visit: https://www.energy.gov/eere/slsc/low-income-energy-affordability-data-lead-tool For more information on the Better Building's Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA), visit: https://betterbuildingsinitiative.energy.gov/accelerators/clean-energy-low-income-communities

affordability↗

Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool

The Low-income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) tool was created to provide data, such as energy burden, to stakeholders to make data driven decisions. The LEAD Tool provides a starting point for local governments, NGOs, companies, etc. to find areas with higher energy burden and cost to inform decisions about funding distribution and program qualifications. This presentation was given to energy efficiency and conservation block grant program applicants to explain how this tool can help them develop their energy efficiency and conservation strategy.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool

This resource summary covers the Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool, which helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions on energy goals and program planning by improving their understanding of low-income and moderate-income household energy characteristics.

Low-Income Energy Affordability Data Tool, LEAD To↗

National Grid: Using the LEAD Tool Data to Target Energy Affordability Services to Eligible Customers in New York

In the following use case, investor-owned utility company, National Grid, used the Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool to support the implementation of its Home Energy Affordability Team (HEAT), a weatherization program for income-eligible residential natural gas customers in its service territory in Long Island, New York. Using LEAD Tool data, National Grid was able to determine how many households may be eligible for the program to inform additional marketing efforts. This use case is an example of how utilities of all sizes and types in the United States can use the LEAD Tool in similar ways to gain insights and better address customer energy affordability needs.

Low-Income Energy Affordability Data Tool, LEAD To↗

Kentucky: Using LEAD Tool Data to Fund Energy Efficiency Programs

The Kentucky Office of Energy Policy (OEP) applied the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) web-based Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool to identify areas of their state with energy affordability needs. Kentucky OEP staff used the LEAD Tool to identify counties in Kentucky with the highest energy burden, which is the percentage of household income spent on energy. With this knowledge, Kentucky OEP staff allocated funds to relevant nonprofit organizations that provide home repairs, weatherization upgrades, and other solutions in areas where these services have the highest potential energy saving benefits and can reduce energy burden.

Low-Income Energy Affordability Data Tool, LEAD To↗

State Technical Assistance - New Mexico Energy and Conservation Management Division Report [Slides]

The New Mexico Energy and Conservation Management Division (ECMD) sought technical assistance to enhance their ability to evaluate program impacts using the Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) tool. NLR assisted ECMD in leveraging the LEAD tool to calculate and analyze energy burden across electric utility service areas, enabling them to assess program outcomes more effectively. To meet ECMD's goals, NLR developed a customized methodology to calculate utility-specific energy burden metrics using census tract data and available utility service area information from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). While acknowledging some limitations in the EIA dataset, NLR estimated the percentage of households within each service territory and incorporated relevant filters such as income, housing characteristics, and other demographics from the LEAD tool. The analysis provided ECMD with a new capability to evaluate program success based on energy savings, reductions in energy burden, and other performance indicators. The data and methodology also support discussions with utilities to improve the accuracy of service territory datasets. ECMD can use the outputs to track program effectiveness and plan future initiatives. NLR offered the possibility of follow-on work, including capacity-building for ECMD to repeat the analysis independently and the option to refine the analysis with updated service.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Assessment and validation of NEAMS tools for high-fidelity multiphysics transient modeling of microreactors: Application of NEAMS codes to perform multiphysics modeling analyses of micro-reactor concepts

The NEAMS Multiphysics Applications team aims at providing assessment of code useability and functionality for microreactor design and analyses, together with demonstration of their capabilities to properly capture the steady-state and time-dependent behavior of different microreactor concepts. In FY-24, significant progress was achieved in improving multi-physics models of several microreactors systems: HP-MR, GC-MR and KRUSTY. These efforts focused on solving more complex multiphysics problems enabled by enhanced tools capability, verifying and validating results obtained, providing feedback to developers for suggested improvements, and sharing these models to facilitate user training. A series of new multiphysics transients were completed on the HP-MR (using Griffin/BISON/Sockeye) with core startup transient, control drum inadvertent rotation accident, and hydrogen leakage from hydride moderator (also including SWIFT). On the GC-MR, a new full-core model was developed and analyzed through a series of new multiphysics (Griffin/BISON/SAM) transients to simulate moderator leakage (also including SWIFT), flow blockage and coolant depressurization. Additional and updated TRISO failure analyses were completed on the HP-MR unit-cell and GC-MR assembly models leveraging improved TRISO modeling capabilities. The amount of SiC failure following accidental transients at end-of-life was null. However, GC-MR assembly TRISO analysis highlighted Pd penetration rate can be problematic and may require design changes on the studied microreactor concept. The neutronics discrepancies observed on the KRUSTY model in previous years were resolved using hybrid set of Monte Carlo/Deterministic cross-sections. The multiphysics (Griffin neutronics / BISON thermal-mechanics) 15₵ insertion transient simulation displayed good agreement when comparing with experimental data. Initial modeling of the 30 ₵ reactivity insertion also displays promising results. Such close agreement provides important validation data that can be leveraged by the NEAMS program and by microreactor vendors to support licensing of their technology. Finally, important experience was gathered with the NEAMS tools leading to several user feedback shared with tools developers, especially with regards to MOOSE mesh generator and Griffin. This project led to many publications demonstrating modeling capabilities, and to three models shared on the Virtual Test Bed.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Household Energy Burden in Beacon Hill, Seattle, WA [Slides]

This technical assistance is part of the Communities Local Energy Action Program (CLEAP) for the Beacon Hill, Seattle, Washington community coalition consisting of El Centro de la Raza, Beacon Hill Council and Bethany United Church of Christ with supportive partners, Seattle City Light and the Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment. This report uses the Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool to identify the most energy burdened households by income group, building type, building age and fuel type.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Intersections of Disadvantaged Communities and Renewable Energy Potential: Analyses to Inform Equitable Investment Prioritization

Renewable energy development can bolster local economies through job creation, local tax revenues, and reduced energy costs; however, communities most in need of economic development and employment opportunities often see lower levels of renewable energy deployment. Megan Day and Liz Ross, along with their co-authors and supported by NREL's Sustainable Communities Catalyzer, identified areas where disadvantaged community indicators intersect with high potential for renewable energy deployment. Through a geospatial intersection of energy burden, environmental hazard, and sociodemographic data with the technical generation potential and levelized cost of energy for multiple renewable energy technologies, we identified trends across disadvantaged community indicators and renewable energy deployment potential. Combining metrics across several tools, including the State and Local Planning for Energy (SLOPE) platform, the Low-Income Energy Affordability (LEAD) tool, and the Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping (EJSCREEN) tool, we compiled a dataset that can be used to inform national- and state-level energy-related assistance programs, economic development efforts, and infrastructure programs seeking to prioritize investments in disadvantage communities.

catalyzer↗

Using Splunk® Enterprise Search Commands for Advanced Analysis of Ivanti Connect Secure© Logs

Analyzing the logs of even the smallest Information Technology (IT) system can be a challenge considering they can generate millions of lines of log data in a very short time. Splunk® Enterprise is an industry leading tool that allows analysis of log data, which can enhance troubleshooting capabilities, improve system performance, and improve the security posture of an IT system. Ivanti Connect Secure© (ICS) is a market-leading platform powered by the Ivanti Secure Socket Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) appliance, providing an architecture for secure access to and protection of network resources. This paper describes an approach for using Splunk Enterprise search capabilities to perform advanced data analysis of ICS logs.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Comparative study of Minnesota functionals performance on ferroelectric BaTiO 3 and PbTiO 3

Density functional theory based simulations are the leading tool for the computational investigation of ferroelectrics and the parametrization of their classical potentials. However, the predictions often depend strongly on the exchange correlation functional. The most popular choices, LDA and GGA, tend to underestimate or overestimate some structural, electric, and energy properties. These impede development of highly accurate classical potentials that extend the reach of first-principles simulations to finite temperatures and realistic sizes. In this work, we investigate the performance of recently developed Minnesota exchange correlation functionals on prototypical ferroelectrics BaTiO 3 , and PbTiO 3 , in comparison with some popular ones. We find that there exists strong correlation between predictions for some properties (tetragonality, phase energy difference, and polarization) by different functionals. Along the correlation line, we find a range of functionals (including some from the Minnesota suite) whose predictions fall in between those of LDA and GGA and, therefore, offer an improvement. A way to relatively rank functional performance with respect to chosen benchmarks is proposed and applied to identify the top performers for BaTiO 3 and PbTiO 3 . Here, the performance is found to be material dependent. Therefore, we propose that the performance assessment carried out in this work is employed to "screen" functionals prior to their use on ferroelectrics. Quick and computationally inexpensive, it is likely to lead to improved descriptions, especially for classical potential parametrization. The Minnesota functional suite is found to be suitable for this task.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Scalable fabrication of an array-type fixed-target device for automated room temperature X-ray protein crystallography

X-ray crystallography is one of the leading tools to analyze the 3-D structure, and therefore, function of proteins and other biological macromolecules. Traditional methods of mounting individual crystals for X-ray diffraction analysis can be tedious and result in damage to fragile protein crystals. Furthermore, the advent of multi-crystal and serial crystallography methods explicitly require the mounting of larger numbers of crystals. To address this need, we have developed a device that facilitates the straightforward mounting of protein crystals for diffraction analysis, and that can be easily manufactured at scale. Inspired by grid-style devices that have been reported in the literature, we have developed an X-ray compatible microfluidic device that can be used to trap protein crystals in an array configuration, while also providing excellent optical transparency, a low X-ray background, and compatibility with the robotic sample handling and environmental controls used at synchrotron macromolecular crystallography beamlines. At the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), these capabilities allow for fully remote-access data collection at controlled humidity conditions. Furthermore, we have demonstrated continuous manufacturing of these devices via roll-to-roll fabrication to enable cost-effective and efficient large-scale production.

chemical engineering↗

Pair distribution function analysis of discrete nanomaterials in PDFgui

Pair distribution functions (PDFs) are a leading tool for atomic structure analysis of nanomaterials. However, the most widely used programs for refining atomic structure against PDF data are based on extended crystallographic models, which cannot be applied to discrete, whole nanoparticles. Furthermore, this work describes a straightforward approach to simulate and refine atomistic models of discrete clusters and nanoparticles employing widely used PDF modelling programs such as PDFgui that utilize extended crystallographic models. In this approach, the whole particle to be modelled is contained within an expanded, and otherwise empty, unit cell that is sufficiently large to avoid correlations between atoms in neighbouring unit cells over the r range analyzed. The PDF of the particle is simulated as a composite using two conventional `phases': one that calculates the atom–atom correlations and one that approximates the local number density. This approach is first validated for large nanoparticles that are well modelled by a conventional shape factor model, and then applied to simulate the PDF of discrete particles and low-dimensional materials (graphene and MXene) and to model the experimental PDF data for single-layer FeS nanosheets. A comparison of this approach with the DiffPy-CMI program, which calculates the PDF of discrete species, shows that the composite modelling approach is equally or more accurate. Example input files for implementing this approach within PDFgui and TOPAS, and recommendations for selecting model parameters for reliable application of this refinement strategy, are provided.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Distribution System Research Roadmap; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

The scope of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) office covers a number of distributed energy resource (DER) technologies, including distributed photovoltaics, smart buildings, wind, water, behind-the-meter-storage, and electric vehicles. The impact of these technologies on the distribution system is often assessed with an individual technology focus. Similarly, different technology offices often leverage different sets of tools, leading to analyses that are not comparable. EERE sought the ability to assess the impact of integrating multiple DER technologies, and to comprehensively address DER integration challenges across the portfolio of EERE technologies. This project built on existing work understanding technical challenges, mapped out the key research questions, assessed relevant capabilities across the national laboratory network, identified key gaps, and produced a research roadmap to inform EERE investment decisions.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Assessment of TMT Labeling Efficiency in Large-Scale Quantitative Proteomics: The Critical Effect of Sample pH

Isobaric labeling via tandem mass tag (TMT) reagents enables sample multiplexing prior to LC–MS/MS, facilitating high-throughput large-scale quantitative proteomics. Consistent and efficient labeling reactions are essential to achieve robust quantification; therefore, embedded in our clinical proteomic protocol is a quality control (QC) sample that contains a small aliquot from each sample within a TMT set, referred to as “Mixing QC.” This Mixing QC enables the detection of TMT labeling issues by LC–MS/MS before combining the full samples to allow for salvaging of poor TMT labeling reactions. While TMT labeling is a valuable tool, factors leading to poor reactions are not fully studied. We observed that relabeling does not necessarily rescue TMT reactions and that peptide samples sometimes remained acidic after resuspending in 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH 8.5), which coincided with low labeling efficiency (LE) and relatively low median reporter ion intensities (MRIIs). To obtain a more resilient TMT labeling procedure, we investigated LE, reporter ion missingness, the ratio of mean TMT set MRII to individual channel MRII, and the distribution of log 2 reporter ion ratios of Mixing QC samples. We discovered that sample pH is a critical factor in LE, and increasing the buffer concentration in poorly labeled samples before relabeling resulted in the successful rescue of TMT labeling reactions. Moreover, resuspending peptides in 500 mM HEPES buffer for TMT labeling resulted in consistently higher LE and lower missing data. By better controlling the sample pH for labeling and implementing multiple methods for assessing labeling quality before combining samples, we demonstrate that robust TMT labeling for large-scale quantitative studies is achievable.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Crossing the Finish Line: Integration of Data-Driven Process Control for Maximization of Energy and Resource Efficiency in Advanced Water Resource Recovery Facilities

Improvements in process monitoring and control at water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) could result in reductions in electricity consumption, chemical inputs, and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as improved energy recovery. Many current WRRF data collection, monitoring, and control approaches use 20th century process monitoring and control systems, which require large design safety factors to ensure reliability in the absence of more advanced, precise controls. Implementation of more modern data-driven control tools could lead to more efficient operations that provide intrinsic reliability with better overall process performance at full-scale. This presentation provides an overview of a recently initiated project "Crossing the Finish Line: Integration of Data-Driven Process Control for Maximization of Energy and Resource Efficiency in Advanced Water Resource Recovery Facilities" which will (1) develop and demonstrate data-driven process controls at full-scale facilities for five promising WRRF Applications (i.e., process technologies) that provide whole-plant approaches and offer substantial energy and resource recovery benefits, and (2) create a toolbox of new process control approaches and an implementation guide including five examples for application at utilities. The presentation also provides a detailed overview of the research approach and progress being made on one of the five Applications, namely Application 2: Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR): ammonium-based aeration control (ABAC) / ammonia vs. NOx (AvN) + partial denitration with anammox (PdNA), which is being implemented at Hampton Roads Sanitation District. This project is a collaboration of work being conducted by DC Water, Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Metro Water Recovery, University of Michigan, Northwestern University, US Military Academy - West Point, Black & Veatch, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Research partner: U.S. Department of Energy.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Household Energy Burden in Lawrence, Massachusetts [Slides]

The City of Lawrence consists of 18 census tracts, of those, 9 census tracts have an average energy burden (the percent of income spent on energy bills) of 6% or greater. The Lawrence Stakeholders Coalition's (LSC) main goal is to "Reduce energy burden and create well-paying local jobs and businesses by increasing the distribution and use of sustainable technologies such as heat pumps, community and rooftop solar, and weatherization." As part of that goal, the LSC is interested in understanding Lawrence's pathway to electrification, specifically through the building sector. This technical assistance aims to assist the LSC's electrification and energy burden reduction planning by: 1) Identifying the most energy-burdened households by owner-occupied and renter-occupied housing status; 2) Identifying and quantifying the characteristics of the most energy-burdened housing units by housing type, age, and heating fuel type; 3) Identifying the tenure and housing types of the most energy-burdened and prevalent households for subsequent ResStock analysis of cost-effective efficiency upgrades.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗