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Understanding Demand Response and Advanced Metering

By Daniel Stouffer

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 03Feb2010 Word count: 453 Viewed: 356 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

When energy is in high demand, the cost would be higher. With the help of Demand Response and Advanced Metering (DRAM) controls and software, enterprises are able to reduce energy price through demand response programs. This type of energy saving program can be used without interfering with retail store operations.

DRAM is one of some energy-saving programs that use state of the art technology in monitoring energy use with specific parameters in order to reduce energy use when the demand is at its peak. This way, infrastructure optimization, system reliability, and best price for energy use is ensured. Retail enterprises are able to reduce carbon footprint which eventually contributes to the reduction of global warming.

The Demand Response part of the DRAM acronym refers to efforts that reduce energy usage during high demand times. The use of these types of programs is increasing throughout the U.S. as companies look to reduce their energy costs and gain better control of their energy use among all sites enterprise wide.

Different methods for pricing energy range from real-time pricing which set prices in advance for a specific time period; time-of-use pricing, in which energy prices are set in advance and only change twice a year; dynamic pricing, which reflects different prices for different time periods; and critical peak pricing, in which pricing is based on certain hours of a day or certain days when energy demand is highest.

Advanced Metering refers to a system which would capture energy usage information on an hourly or other interval schedule. Advanced metering allows retail store to make the most out of price-based demand response programs. There are also specialized software which allows data management which can track and record energy usage.

DRAM controls and programs is capable to control HVAC/R, lighting, equipment and backup generators from anywhere in the world through the use of a computer. Enterprises, such as stores, hotels and other retail operations also have the ability to control an entire energy demand event remotely from an administrative interface for one or multiple sites; set energy scenarios to allow for demand response execution; and obtain real-time energy tracking.

DRAM enables retail enterprises to identify energy loads for curtailment through a web enabled network system. Companies will be able to manage stored electrical loads better to be curtailed energy use on peak times.

Several providers of enterprise management services can now help companies reduce their energy consumption. The best ones are usually those which can offer energy response services with the use of integrated web channel in order for companies to reduce energy consumption and reduce demand. Thus, allowing companies to enjoy the benefits of incentives and rebates by exerting efforts to implement energy saving programs.

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