Demand response ( also called load response) programs enable energy consumers to reduce the amount of power these use during moments of high energy demand ( in summer for example). Demand response programs are popular because participants in the program are financially compensated for participating by some power companies.
This program is much need because during natural disasters, or occasionally power plant maintenance, energy demand, and supply are deeply affected. Therefore with this program, power companies can easily manage the amount of energy distributed.
Also, due to the increasing amount of natural disasters, and heat waves in the summer the demand response program is absolutely necessary in order to balance power supply.
http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/energysavingsrebates/demandresponse/whatisdemandresponse/
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/demand-response.htm
http://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations/demand-response.aspx
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