(Delayed) blog from EUCI Demand Response conference in San Francisco a few weeks ago.
Here are the highlights:
Demand response, (the mandatory or voluntary reduction of electricity usage during peak times) is an increasingly important component of the power industry. DR is moving from a being a "special program" or "strategic resource" to a necessary, and even mandatory means of keeping the lights on.
- Smart home devices were a big topic, and I will discuss in another post.
- Energy storage devices, such as ice-based air conditioners offered by Ice Energy, and hot water heaters with sophisticated timers allow electricity to be used off peak to provide cool air or hot water on peak.
- Plug-in hybrid cars can be used to store and manage off-peak energy, as well as reduce GHG on the freeways. SCE and Ford are already talking about it. I think the plug-in hybrid idea will make some fundamental changes in our electric generation profile and dispatch method. It will most certainly make nuclear power plants and wind plants more cost effective, as they can provide reliable power 24/7 and at night, respectively.
Friday, July 27, 2007
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1 comment:
Hello! I am the new producer of Demand Response and Energy Efficiency for EUCI. I actually just finished the DR/EE conference for San Diego (up on our website euci.com) and think it's quite strong - but I'd love to have your input.
The plug-in vehicle storage idea, to change the power portfolio would work under mass market users...but I wonder how many.
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