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Address Peak Energy Use with Demand Response Programs

By Daniel Stouffer

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 05Apr2010 Word count: 506 Viewed: 328 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Demand response programs are designed to manage energy during peak demand times. These types of programs are growing in popularity because they allow companies to manage the energy loads at each of its stores, both individually and collectively. These programs can address energy demands and controls for each location or by each device. It's a way to better dictate your energy usage based on demand conditions. These types of automated controls are energy savers that result in reduced energy costs.

Demand response programs can be used to control commercial refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, and backup generators. Any type of process or equipment that uses some form of energy can be included in the demand strategy.

Energy is one of the largest expenses for a company, particularly those with multiple retail stores countrywide, chain restaurants worldwide, or manufacturing plants with various sites. Along with trying to hold the line on expenses, companies face increased government regulations aimed at reducing energy use and lowering carbon emissions in an effort to slow global warming. Managing a portfolio of energy use is complex, which is why many companies invest in asset or energy management programs.

With demand response programs, you can adjust the controls for lighting, commercial refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) systems, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems right from your computer, from anywhere in the world. By being able to optimize equipment efficiency through real time energy tracking, you can lower the actual energy used.

Demand response programs allow for consistent energy use tracking and reporting at all sites, such as retail chains located around the country, production facilities located in multiple locations, or supermarkets located globally. Each store or worksite can be tracked through a network system to identify energy loads for reduction and to schedule testing of curtailment loads and verification.

Traditionally, companies would manually control energy demand at each retail site. But advances in technology now make demand response part of an automated energy management system. As a result, managers can respond to energy demands remotely from the administrative interface, thus removing previous obstacles like having to physically be at the location.

By using demand response programs, companies can take advantage of utility reduction programs that provide rebates and incentives for those agreeing to reduce energy loads during peak periods. By doing so, you realize additional cost cutting measures in addition to savings in your energy bill.

With demand response programs, companies know when and how electricity is affected at their facility and can quickly respond to the situation. They can control their electric power requirements and consumption based on various scenarios that could occur. These include heat waves, storms, power plant repairs, or other instances when demand is greater than supply. The ultimate goal is energy efficiency and conservation. It is achieved by changing consumption behavior, especially during times of peak demand. These programs help to create a balance between supply and demand in order to better manage future energy needs.

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