Demand Response has to deal with electricity and the electric grid. Whenever we use electricity, we expect that when we turn the switch on for it to appear immediately and it does, but how? All our electricity comes from the power grid. Electricity is generated at the power plant and sent to local substations where transformers turn it into usable voltage for me and you to use.
Below is a video demonstrating demand response:
http://www.rtpcontrols.com/public/dema_prof.html
The highest demand for electricity is during the afternoon hours and early evening hours and in the summertime due to air conditioners. Electricity prices because of our demand are also going up. Demand response addresses the supply and demand of electricity. When increases in the electrical lines occur and the usage of electricity exceeds the output, demand response kicks in to help control and level out so that the supply and demand match each other.
A company based here in Boston is helping to do just that. EnerNOC, is transforming the way people in the world use electricity. They help commercial, institutional and industrial organizations use energy more intelligently and pay less for it. Their technology-enabled energy management solutions help meet the needs of utilities and grid operators to deliver energy and are responsible for maintaining a balance between supply and demand. Below is a video I found about them online:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgFSUwwZdpo
As a world, we need to start thinking of other ways to create electricity. We need to invest more into renewables and also help educate people on how to use less electricity, which is very easy. Unplug items in your household that are not being used, do not be wasteful with leaving lights on, use less water, switch to energy saving light bulbs. These simple things anybody can start doing and make a change.
Resources:
http://www.enernoc.com/index.php
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/demand-response.htm