An unfortunate fact of Physics is that 100 percent efficiency cannot be achieved. It is simply the way thermodynamics work. The second law of thermodynamics explains that energy always wants to move to the point of entropic equilibrium, or that heat wants to move toward cooler areas versus hotter areas of space.

100 percent efficiency would certainly be wondrous to have for Demand Response.This procedure makes sure that the power companies accurately and precisely provide the public with an appropriate amount of electricity while not producing so much that it becomes too inefficient.

This is certainly not an easy task. Not only do we have to calculate the amount using multiple variables, but most of the variables are estimated based on past trends. One clear trend is that the warmer the temperature in the summer, the more electricity is used by people blasting the AC at home or work, and the same goes for heat in the bitter months of winter.  The goal should always be to estimate more accurately as to save waste electricity from being produced, especially in a time where cutting down on carbon emissions is becoming so important.

Some interesting ways companies have been trying to get people to use less energy is to actually pay them to be limited to a set amount of energy. This is a win, win situation as less energy is being used by the consumer who participates, and engineers have an easier time predicting the amount of energy used, at least for that specific household of business.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/enernocs-demand-response-network-provides-relief-to-strained-electricity-grids-during-extreme-cold-weather-2014-01-08

http://www.allaboutscience.org/second-law-of-thermodynamics.htm

http://www.coned.com/energyefficiency/demand_response.asp