The AVERT (AVoided Emissions and geneRation Tool) is a tool developed by the EPA with a primary objective of enabling end users to estimate the emissions benefits from energy efficiency and renewable energy policies and programs. AVERT allows users to estimate changes in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) based on changes in load shape. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, SO2 and NOx are criteria pollutants with national air quality standards, and PM2.5 consists of fine inhalable particles which can cause serious health problems and haze. More information can be found at the EPA’s website.
Fundamentally, the AVERT statistically aggregates fossil fuel generation data from the EPA’s publicly available Air Markets Program Data (AMPD) tool to estimate typical emissions output at various system power levels. The AVERT splits the United States into ten different regions, and emissions rates are determined for each year (2007-2016) for each region. To determine emissions rates, each year is further split into ozone season (May-September) and non-ozone season (October-April), a delineation that is driven by differing emissions requirements. Note that electrical generating units smaller than 25 MW do not report to AMPD and are thus excluded. For more information about AVERT, please visit their website.