Demand Management

What is Demand Management?

 

Also known as demand response, this is the changing of electricity usage based on change in the price of power. To avoid costly repercussions for building owners and tenants for utilities having to dispatch peaking power plants to meet energy demand, demand response programs are implemented. Therefore, instead of generating more power when demand is high, demand management reduces consumption on appliances such as air-conditioners, lights, water heaters, etc to ease the load on generators.

 

Why Participate in Demand Management?

 

Demand management involves voluntary reduction of energy demand with the incentive of potential rebates. Regulators create incentives for utilities to use less energy, especially at peak hours of the day. Commercial/institutional customers who partake in demand response programs:

 

• Benefit from cost savings
• Help the grid stay stable

 

Why do Building Owners Promote Energy Demand Responsibility?

 

Instead of having to call on very expensive power generators to meet high demand in the late afternoon, grid operators can reduce the load to avoid paying peak-time pricing. Promote energy demand responsibility to tenants by:

 
• Encouraging the use of power strips

• Use timers for electricity

• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs
 

In addition to cost savings, tenants can enjoy taking environmental responsibility and even improve comfort in their spaces. By breaking down what tenants set to gain by demand responsibility, owners and managers may have an easier time improving energy use.