BPA has also supported a version of Strategic Energy Management, or SEM, measures since 2009. SEM's core intent is to help end-users reduce the energy intensity of its facility or key subsystems, while establishing a system that allows them to track energy performance and savings over a multi-year period of engagement. SEM measures emphasize behavioral, low-cost operational and maintenance improvements.
The SEM measure requires facility commitment and staff participation within a two-year performance period, while providing the estimated baseline of annual energy consumption of the facility or key subsystem. SEM participants will learn about various low- and no-cost changes that can result in immediate savings. Verified SEM energy savings will be calculated following a measurement and verification, or M&V, option described in the BPA Commercial M&V Reference Guide, which will be available in the Document Library when the new measure becomes effective April 1, 2022.
Per notification in the April 2021 Implementation Manual release, BPA will sunset the existing SEM Projects measure on March 31, 2022. The guiding principles behind the changes were to streamline the offer, while reducing the associated administrative costs and expand its use to more end-users, including Commercial sites.
