Navigating Through The Energy Transition: Insights from the Peak Load Management and Demand Response Panel

Panelists:

• Andy Anderson​, CEO, WatchWire
• Gregg Fischer – Founder and CEO, Fischer Energy
• Molly Dee-Ramasamy – Director, Deep Carbon Reduction Group – JB&B
• Matthew McCue – Account Executive at CPower 

Big Ideas from the Panel:

Policy Impact on Facility Operations

All panelists agreed on the significant influence of policies on the way companies operate their facilities. It was stated that policies act as a ‘swinging pendulum’, constantly shifting between consumption and demand triggers, which can directly impact tariff structures and incentives. The current focus is on consumption, but there is a possibility that this could swing back to demand. This swinging pendulum reflects the ever-evolving nature of the energy landscape, posing challenges for businesses to keep up and adjust their operations accordingly. 

A noteworthy development in recent times is the widespread adoption of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), effectively expanding Demand Response (DR) from around 500 buildings in New York to virtually all of them. The integration of smart grid technology is enabling more intelligent buildings, reflecting the critical role of policy in shaping the future of energy management. 

The Promise and Challenges of Virtual Power Plants

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) have been a buzzword in the energy sector for several years, holding the promise of interconnected clean Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) that offer flexibility, price performance, and resiliency. However, their widespread adoption has been slow. It was suggested that the adoption of VPPs depends on a harmonious collaboration between market dynamics and state policies.

Demand Response Programs

Demand response programs, designed to encourage consumers to reduce their electricity usage during peak times, have immense potential to optimize energy consumption and reduce carbon footprint. However, there is room for better design and more effective execution. The panelists suggest that focusing not just on economic signals but also on emissions signals could lead to better utilization of these programs. Understanding Time of Use (TOU) and introducing automated DR could further enhance the efficiency of these programs.

Building Performance Standards Driving Sustainability

Building performance standards play a crucial role in driving sustainability and decarbonization. Local Law 97, for example, legislates emissions performance. Though not perfect, these standards have been successful in changing the dynamics of the market and redefining the metrics of performance, driving businesses to focus more on carbon reduction rather than just energy efficiency.

The Untapped Opportunity: Real-time Monitoring

According to the panel, real-time monitoring is the biggest opportunity in energy management and decarbonization that is yet to be widely recognized. Services like Benchmark8760, which provide hourly data, demand response, and emissions choices, equip facility operators with the ability to control major equipment and optimize TOU. This level of granular data can enable businesses to make more informed decisions and strategize their energy management plans effectively.

The Future of Peak Load Management and Decarbonization

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, peak load management and decarbonization present their own set of unique challenges and opportunities. A significant concern regarding peak load management is appropriately sizing equipment and controlling demand, especially in a manner that doesn’t overburden the grid. While the energy transition involves the electrification of many services, it’s vital to balance supply and demand to ensure grid stability. 

Electrification also presents its challenges in the decarbonization effort. For instance, while electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage systems have been seen as game-changers in the decarbonization process, their integration into the grid must be managed carefully. They can play a significant role in load management and in the creation of virtual power plants, but they also increase the overall demand for electricity, which must be generated in a sustainable manner. In addition, for successful decarbonization, it’s crucial that the added load aligns with when renewable resources are available. 

The panelists ended the session by offering advice to those who are new to the field. They highlighted the importance of gaining a deep understanding of the energy profile and needs of their buildings. A nuanced understanding of energy consumption and demand patterns can help in crafting more effective energy management strategies.

They also emphasized the role of building operators and engineers in this transition. They have the ability to bring about changes at the ground level and have a direct impact on the way energy is used. Encouraging education and training among this workforce can drive more sustainable practices in building operations.

To those that attended INTEGRATE ‘23, thank you! We are so pleased with the turnout and the engagement from our clients. We cannot wait for next year’s INTEGRATE ‘24! Learn more about WatchWire’s use cases and capabilities, plus stay up to date on upcoming events, by going to http://www.watchwire.ai or following us on LinkedIn.