Demand Response
As demand on California’s electric power grid continues to grow, demand response (DR) can play a pivotal role in reducing energy usage and enabling California to avoid rolling blackouts and energy shortages. Residents and commercial customers of electricity in California can take steps in their own buildings to help the state when electricity supplies are low.
DGS Office of Sustainability hired a DR provider, Enersponse, to aid state agencies in gaining incentives for DR actions. State agencies interested in learning more about the advantages of DR providers in improving agency experience in DR programs should go to https://go.enersponse.com/ca-agencies to meet with Enersponse. Enersponse’s services are free to state agencies and can lead to future incentives. This program is available to agencies leasing space as well as agencies already enrolled in existing DR programs.
All Agencies are required to enroll in Demand Response programs where available and cost-effective per EO B-18-12.
The State of California seeks to be a leading source of grid reliability and resilience through the curtailment of its own energy use in its 110+ million square foot building portfolio. During the September 2022 heatwave that took place across California, the electric grid experienced record high demand for electricity. California residents and businesses reduced and shifted electricity use to help the state avoid power outages. California state government facilities did their part too, shedding an impressive 209 MW of load over the nine-day period.
State agencies can continue to do their part in improving grid stability in two ways: 1.) By curtailing energy use in buildings when state electricity supply is in high demand (during “peak demand events”) and 2.) By enrolling buildings and participating in demand response (DR) programs.
State agencies can start saving energy and money, contributing to grid reliability today by establishing procedures for curtailing or shifting electricity use in their buildings. Utilities offer incentives for curtailing energy use during peak pricing when demand is high in the form of credits on electric bills. Strategies for Reducing Energy Use During Peak Demand Events is a resource for state agencies looking to participate in demand response today.
DGS Office of Sustainability has hired the DR Provider Enersponse to help state agencies enroll with utility, and other, DR programs. Go to https://go.enersponse.com/ca-agencies to sign up for an initial meeting and an explanation of what is available to your agency at no cost.
A Demand Response (DR) Aggregator is a service provider that assists organizations in enrolling in utility DR programs. DR aggregators provide strategies and services that enable organizations to reduce their energy consumption, which in turn results in compensation from utilities for both the DR aggregator and the organization for lower energy usage during DR events. For more information, please go to: California Public Utilities Commission DR Aggregator FAQ website.
Contact
Department of General Services
Office of Sustainability
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Contact Information:
Email: OSEnergySavings@dgs.ca.gov