Up until writing this blog I had absolutely no idea what demand response was and now that I do know I would like to make as many people aware of it as possible. The world’s energy use, sources of energy, sustainable energy, and all sorts of energy talk are always a serious discussion because to put it simply the world will not be able to function if we run out of ways of harassing and using energy.

Right now when we use electricity, we turn on a switch and boom there it is right in front of us. But few know the process energy had to go through to reach us.  Electricity is first generated at a power plant and then it is transmitted to a local substation where it is turned into usable voltage by a transformer.  From the transformer it is then distributed to our home through the grid which is comprised of high voltage transmission lines. When we turn on our light switch or our coffemaker we are demanding energy.  But what happens around 5 in the evening when everyone is getting home from work and turning on lights and televisions and all other types of appliances? That increases the demand load on the grids, and its rising more and more. But demand response helps to store energy for use during those prime times when the demand load is high. According to technologyreview.com “Demand response helps meet that climbing need for energy during the day through reductions, such as adjusting thermostat settings, dimming lights, or changing when hot water heaters run.”

Looking over it, the concept makes so much sense.  We are able to trim our usage of electricity throughout the day so we are able to have enough during those peak hours or in the bigger picture, in times of emergency like a blackout.  Demand response can help reduce overload and it also is incredibly beneficial due to the relief it is providing “to relieve the increased stress on the aging grid.” Programs like demand response can also help both the provider and the consumer save money, which with the rising cost of electricity (I’m shocked every month I get my bill) is always a plus. With help from demand response providers could avoid having to build new power plants or fix an overloaded grid and lower energy costs.

A new piece of technology that is being used for demand response is a smart grid, which unlike current grids, provide a 2 way communication between the consumer and the provider.  The smart grid would automate the flow of electricity is needed.  I, for one, am very excited at the prospect of demand response and look forward to learning more about it and seeing it develop further!

Sources:

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/513356/turning-off-the-power-to-run-the-grid/

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/category/demand-response

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/demand-response.htm