The Future of Residential Demand Response and BYOT
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
3:45 - 5:15 pm
The question on many utility DR program managers' minds is how to create a reliable and predictable program around this ever-morphing aggregated load. And the era of connected thermostats is working in this direction.
The first generation "Bring-Your-Own-Thermostat" or BYOT programs focus on deals with devices and utilize common control interfaces. These programs are already in trials at utilities. Consumers with compatible connected thermostats can opt to enroll for the DR program and receive a rebate or credit for energy savings earned through DR events. This open market approach lacks predictability for sales of compatible devices and the subsequent opt-in requirement for consumers to enroll in the program. If a BYOT program is built around a specific device or interoperable interface, it is doomed to become another great opportunity destined to the eternal "trial."
The second generation of BYOT program, which is underway, will focus on a distribution system that will change the entire residential DR space. National big box retailers and broadband service providers are quickly entering the connected home market. These marketing juggernauts are looking to partner with their utility counterparts. They understand the aggregated load their customers represent is sizable -- big enough to create an "instant one-stop-shop" residential DR program. But unlike other traditional aggregators, this new breed demands a consumer-friendly version of DR. There is a risk if a DR program is too invasive, the consumer could leave both the DR program and the connected home platform as well. Collaboration and consumer-focused DR are key.
This session will discuss the mindsets of the new generation of load aggregators and how they see the future of BYOT programs and the mandate of a consumer-friendly DR approach.
