Demand Response Research Center
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DRRC Background

The California Energy Commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program is launching a Demand Response Research Center (or "Center") led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

As a guiding principle, Center activities are multi-institutional in concept and operation. LBNL is hosting the Center; guiding Center development; and providing technical, operational and planning leadership. The Center director will solicit stakeholder input and adopt research topics accordingly. The Director will also seek the most qualified performers. A significant proportion of research will be done by researchers outside of LBNL.

Demand Response (DR) includes:

  1. load response for reliability purposes,
  2. load response for procurement cost minimization purposes (e.g., load bidding), and
  3. price response by end-use customers for bill management.

Load response is typically attained through interruptible tariffs and direct load control programs. Price response can be attained through time-of-use rates, dynamic pricing, and demand bidding programs.

Two main drivers for widespread demand responsiveness are the prevention of future electricity crises and the reduction of average electricity prices. Additional goals for price responsiveness include equity, through cost of service pricing, and customer control of electricity usage and bills.