IECM 12.0 beta User Manual > Modules Included with the IECM > Common Input and Result Screens > Costs >

O&M Cost Results

O&M costs results for most technologies are reported in a two-table screen. O&M costs are typically expressed on an average annual basis and are provided in either constant or current dollars for a specific year, as shown in the Status Bar.

The EPRI TAG method of categorization has been used for operating and maintenance costs screens. It provides a consistent basis of reporting for a wider audience of users.

O&M costs are expressed on an average annual basis and are provided in either constant or current dollars for a specified year, as shown in the Status Bar . The costs are broken down into two categories: variable and fixed.

Variable costs include the costs of reagents, chemicals, water, and other materials consumed during plant operation. Variable operating costs and consumables are directly proportional to the amount of kilowatts produced and are referred to as incremental costs.

Fixed costs are associated with labor and overhead charges. Fixed operating costs are essentially independent of actual capacity factor, number of hours of operation, or amount of kilowatts produced.

All operating costs are subject to inflation.

The table on the left shows the variable cost components, which vary depending on the technology. The last line is the total:

•Total Variable Costs: This is the sum of all the variable O&M costs listed above. This result is highlighted in yellow.

The table on the right shows the fixed cost components. Fixed operating costs are essentially independent of actual capacity factor, number of hours of operation, or amount of kilowatts produced. All the costs are subject to inflation. The following results are shown in this table:

•Operating Labor: Operating labor cost is based on the operating labor rate, the number of personnel required to operate the plant per eight-hour shift, and the average number of shifts per day over 40 hours per week and 52 weeks.

•Maintenance Labor: The maintenance labor is determined as a fraction of the total maintenance cost.

•Maintenance Material: The cost of maintenance material is the remainder of the total maintenance cost, considering the fraction associated with maintenance labor.

•Administrative & Support Labor: The administrative and support labor is the only overhead charge. It is taken as a fraction of the total operating and maintenance labor costs.

•Taxes & Insurance: This is the cost of taxes and insurance. This cost is included as fixed O&M costs and is estimated empirically as a percent of the TPC.

•Total Fixed Costs: This is the sum of all the fixed O&M costs listed above. This result is highlighted in yellow.

•Total O&M Costs: This is the sum of the total variable and total fixed O&M costs. It is used to determine the base plant total revenue requirement. This result is highlighted in yellow.