Demand Response

With growing demand and advancing technology, utilities are starting to focus on how these new tools can help them reduce system peaks. You can benefit from this focus by managing specific aspects of demand in a timely fashion. Whether through shared 4CP obligations or participation in load curtailment, small capital investments and modified operating behavior can generate significant savings.

ERCOT’s program, while operating under tight restrictions (10 minute notice, expulsion if demand drops below commitment, even during equipment breakage), paid out over $10/kw on commitments for 2009 with no curtailments to date. TVA had three calls in three weeks, while TECO and SRP had just one call apiece in 2009. Most markets have good payout with little interruption.