Strategies for Reducing Energy Use During Peak Demand Events

Best practices and strategies for reducing building electricity use during peak demand events.

When electricity supply cannot meet demand, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) calls on consumers to voluntarily reduce energy use through a “Flex Alert” notification. Generally in California, these “peak demand” events occur seasonally in the summer when temperatures are hotter and there is more demand for electricity to cool buildings, but peak demand events also occur during other periods of electricity supply shortages. State agencies can contribute to grid reliability by reducing electric load in state buildings during flex alerts and peak demand events.

 

Demand response is an important tool for building and facilities managers to reduce load (or energy use) in the short-term to respond to a request from CAISO, California’s grid operator. Building and facilities managers can sign up for Flex Alerts to be notified in advance of peak demand events here. Learn more about how demand response can be used to reduce energy building costs and improve grid reliability here.

 

Every building has a unique set of opportunities for shifting and reducing electric load during a peak demand event. Different building equipment, daylighting levels, work routines, occupancy levels, and schedules mean that no two buildings will (or should) respond to a peak demand event in exactly the same way. DGS Office of Sustainability offers the following best practices and strategies for participating in demand response during a peak demand event:

Tips and Best Practices

    • Pre-cooling: Keep the facility cool during the morning and early afternoon of the event day to reduce cooling load during peak demand event hours such as 4 - 9 p.m.
    • Chiller AC “coasting” during all or part of the peak demand event: For a building where the occupancy schedule allows, turn off the chiller/compressor sooner than normal and allow the temperature to drift upwards until the peak demand event is over, for instance after 9 p.m.
    • Shut off HVAC in unoccupied spaces where controls allow such as conference rooms and assembly spaces.
    • Turn off decorative lighting on peak demand event days.

  3. We recommend notifying/educating building tenants and posting signage about building participation in peak demand events to encourage occupants to take and avoid certain actions that require excessive energy use. Information should explain why certain actions are being taken by the building and facilities managers. The following actions can also help reduce building energy use during peak demand events:

    • Avoid use of heat-producing electric appliances during peak demand event hours (e.g. after 4 p.m.) on peak demand event days. Heat-producing appliance examples include coffee makers, toaster ovens, and microwaves.
    • Power-down all desktop computers, personal printers, and desktop electronics as soon as the workday ends.
    • Adjust (even slightly) thermostat settings on coolers and freezers during peak demand event hours (e.g. after 4 p.m.) on peak demand event days.
    • Shift production of food preparation and other high energy consumption activities outside of peak demand event hours on peak demand event days. 
    • Delay battery charging (e.g. EVs, equipment and tools) until after the peak demand event ends such as after 9 p.m. on peak demand event days. 

Contact

Energy Savings Program

Department of General Services
Office of Sustainability

707 Third St.
West Sacramento, CA 95605

Contact Information: 

 Email: OSEnergySavings@dgs.ca.gov