Notes from the Field: Identifying Demand-Response Measures Customers Will Actually Do

Julia K. Larkin and Dan Thomas, KEMA-Xenergy
Ed Jerome, Nexant
Mike Rufo, Quantum Consulting

Keywords

Abstract

Most businesses and facilities are ignoring significant energy and demand-reduction opportunities available through demand-responsive actions and investments in building automation. In addition, demand-response programs have difficulty attracting participants.

This paper discusses short- and long-term load-reduction strategies available through existing control systems in commercial and industrial facilities, as well as load reduction opportunities through investment in enhanced automation and control technologies. It presents key end uses and the magnitude of savings available through demand-response and control strategies and provides customer perspectives, shedding light on the critical difference between technical and realistic potential for demand-response actions and automation investments. It provides real examples from businesses, and discusses ways to address barriers customers face, including information, hassle and transaction costs, performance uncertainty, and lack of financing. Also, we present results of a study of nonresidential customers in California, addressing:

Current levels of automation and capability to reduce demand
Attitudes toward demand response and automation
Relevance and capabilities for energy monitoring.

The site assessments and statewide study were part of the Enhanced Automation Campaign, funded by the California Energy Commission, which provided technical assistance to customers considering demand-response programs in California. These findings are also informed by demand-response potential forecasts conducted for two major utilities and lessons learned through implementation of the Energy Commission’s Innovative Peak Load Reduction Program-Small Grants and the Enhanced Automation Initiative, funded by the California Public Utilities Commission.