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Demand Response
Demand Response (DR) encompasses technologies and pricing structures to encourage consumers to reduce their demand, particularly during load-peak periods. Technologies may include smart thermostats and in-home displays of pricing signals and critical price alerts as well as endpoint load management devices such as air conditioning cycling switches. Pricing structures may include critical-peak pricing and real-time pricing as well as the traditional time-of-use and interruptible rates for the mass market and I&C customers.
DR leads to a reduction of customer energy usage, increases system reliability and supports infrastructure optimization or deferral. In short, it can defer the utility's investment in generation.
There are increasing synergies and joint business benefits between DR and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiatives. For example, utilities can leverage AMI communication infrastructures for DR program execution (WAN, LAN and evolving Home Area Networking and Smart Grid). DR can leverage the same IT applications and system integration as the AMI, including system provisioning and performance management as well as the Work and Asset Management. AMI profiling data can be used to enhance DR program design, and AMI interval data can be used used to verify DR customer participation and program effectiveness.
Enspiria is an experienced consultant in this arena, having worked with industry leading clients. In addition, our staff was involved in load control load management and demand side management long before dynamic pricing was instituted and Demand Response became an industry term.
Our DR staff maintains knowledge of a range of technologies, including those offered by: Cannon (Cooper Power), Comverge and Corporate Systems Engineering (CSE).
Enspiria professionals are able to bring real-world utility experience, expertise and solutions to each unique project.
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