Our experience with demand response (DR) programs gives us a deep understanding of the application, operation, performance, and limitations of DR technologies.
Our technical and economic assessment expertise in DR programs-together with our solid experience in supporting the development and implementation of DR programs for clients with distributed facilities-are key reasons why Nexant is one of only seven firms certified by the California Energy Commission to provide technical assistance to end-users interested in considering DR capabilities in response to DR pilot program pricing structures.
In addition, we provide DR program marketing support services as well as integrated energy audit design and implementation services, enabling us to identify DR opportunities for energy consumers along with opportunities for energy efficiency and self-generation.
Our recent DR experience includes the projects highlighted below.
California Demand-Response Business Network
To facilitate and maximize demand response in California, Nexant, as a subcontractor to Utility Integration Solutions, Inc., helped to design both a suitable high-level architecture for a DR business network (DRBNet) and a roadmap for construction of the network. Ad hoc information technology solutions have been proliferating and, as DR program participation grows, the need for sound IT infrastructure to support these programs is increasing. This California-focused R&D project is expected ultimately to reduce the state's cost-and increase the efficiency-of information technology infrastructure to support DR. Nexant, with its expertise and experience in DR in California, will contribute the understanding of DR program operations and the business processes and interactions among participants that is essential to building a functional real-time collaboration network.
FERC/LBNL Customer Friendly Demand Response Scoping Study
As a subcontractor to Lawrence Berkeley Nuclear Laboratory, Nexant conducted research to help define and assess the parameters and features for more customer-friendly DR programs. We conducted focus groups to elicit and provide cogent feedback directly from commercial/industrial customers in various locations and markets across the country on the attributes and features of customer-friendly DR programs. Information from this study was made available to interested policymakers and stakeholders involved in the DR arena for their review and possible utilization. This work ultimately supports The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Electric Markets Technical Assistance program by helping to enhance the development of DR programs that attract sufficient long-term participation to achieve DOE's policy goals.
Demand Response Program Marketing Support
Nexant developed three educational tools to assist National Grid in marketing DR programs to large customers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The tools consisted of: (1) informational brochures highlighting the demand response applications of lighting, HVAC, advanced building systems technologies, and several industrial processes, as well as an overview of the DR concept and its benefits; (2) an operations-oriented decision tree to assist customers in determining how to respond to demand response signals most effectively; and (3) educational material and training for in-house staff and account representatives to increase their knowledge of DR concepts and their comfort in marketing the program options to targeted commercial and industrial customers.
Customer Energy Management Integrated Marketing Plan
Nexant assisted a major U.S. West Coast utility in developing an integrated marketing plan that encompasses DR and self-generation products and services as well as energy conservation, efficiency, and time-of-use load management. We developed case studies highlighting successful customer integrated energy efficiency, DR, and self-generation applications. We also developed a matrix of non-residential customer segments and product/service offerings indicating best customer service options and recommended changes in marketing strategy, enabling DR programs to be integrated with a range of customer energy management programs.
Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification of the CEC Demand Responsive Buildings Program
Nexant developed and executed EM&V plans for analyzing eight key program components within the California Energy Commission's 2001 Peak Load Reduction Program-including the Demand Responsive Buildings Program. This program element was designed to encourage installation and operation of demand responsive building systems and telemetry by large commercial customers, increasing their ability to respond to expected electricity shortages by curtailing load. Nexant developed industry-leading tools and methods for documenting facility performance during such curtailments.
As part of our DR assessment reports, the project team also prepared a glossary of terms applicable to assessing the DR capabilities of a large commercial building. The glossary defines and explains energy management system terms related to lighting, HVAC, and the benefits of energy management and information systems.
DR Program Tariffs Technical Assistance for the CEC
In October 2003, the California Energy Commission certified Nexant as a qualified Technical Assistance engineering resource for those DR program participants who are interested in pursuing the transitional technical assistance incentive monies made available through the pilot Critical Peak Pricing and Demand Bidding Program tariffs/riders.
Enhanced Automation Resources for Demand Response
Nexant, in partnership with Kema-Xenergy, developed a set of resources on the installation of enhance automation systems in commercial facilities for the California Energy Commission. The resources include a set of six case studies of successful implementations of such enhanced automation systems, guidebooks on how to install these systems, and fact sheets about the benefits of such systems. The project's scope extended from initial concept to design/production to distribution of the enhanced automation marketing materials.
Demand-Response Program Marketing Assessment
To ensure that all necessary and effective steps were being taken to market two newly approved DR pilot tariffs, a major U.S. West Coast utility asked Nexant to conduct a process evaluation specifically to: assess the existing marketing campaign, recommend immediate enhancements to the marketing drive, and develop a longer-term marketing plan. Nexant has worked closely with the client's staff both at headquarters and in the field to assess the utility's due diligence in aggressively marketing these DR pilots. This internally focused assignment concentrated on identifying enhancements that could be incorporated into the client's future DR marketing efforts.
Utility Integrated Energy Audits
Nexant developed an advanced energy audit methodology that considers the applicability of energy efficiency, demand response, and self-generation opportunities in large commercial and industrial facilities. To demonstrate the integrated methodology, Nexant conducted a number of three-tiered audits that: (1) balance energy loads, and define and assess energy efficiency opportunities, (2) assess demand response technical feasibility (i.e., customer ability to reduce energy consumption and loads when requested by the utility to increase system reliability), and (3) evaluate technical feasibility for customers to install various forms of self-generation capacity.
California Energy Commission (CEC) Demand Response Program DR Tool
Nexant provided evaluation services of the CEC's Demand Responsive Program sponsored under Senate Bill 5X and Assembly Bill 29X. To meet the objectives of the Measurement and Verification task, Nexant developed and hosted a secure web application, called the DR Tool. The DR Tool allowed users to enter information and upload raw meter data-typically 15-minute interval data-necessary for participating in the CEC's Demand Responsive program. The website (and all its interactive features and analysis engines were collectively referred to as the "DR Tool") allowed program administrators, grantees, and contractors the opportunity to enter the information needed to quantify their facilities energy savings. In addition, users uploaded raw meter data using the single or batch meter data upload functions of the DR Tool. The DR Tool analysis engine calculated demand savings by means of one or more standard techniques, using the meter information uploaded by each participant.
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James D. Bradford, PhD, PE
Senior Vice President, Energy and Carbon Management
Tel: +1 303 402 2482
Email:
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