Austin Energy has expanded its Commercial Demand Response Program to include 195 City of Austin buildings, aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce strain on the electric grid during peak demand periods. The enrolled buildings have a combined estimated demand response potential of more than six megawatts (MW), which can help ease pressure on the grid when electricity use is high. According to ERCOT, one megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity can supply power to about 250 homes in Texas during times of peak demand.
In addition to city facilities, government buildings at the county, state, and federal levels are also participating in the program. In total, 295 government facilities are now involved in demand response efforts.
The expansion resulted from cooperation between Austin Energy and staff from various government agencies. Staff members receive training and ongoing support to prepare for participation in the program, which operates each summer from June through September.
During a demand response event, participants get real-time alerts and apply specific strategies to lower their energy use for the duration of the event. At season’s end, each facility receives a personalized scorecard that details performance and estimated incentives earned. Ongoing coaching and annual training sessions are provided to encourage continued improvement.
The program supports Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035, which aims for 270 MW of Demand Response by that year. By reducing electricity usage temporarily at peak times, Austin Energy seeks to maintain grid reliability while saving money and supporting climate resilience goals.
“Since the City Council’s resolution to enroll all appropriate City of Austin buildings into our Commercial Demand Response program last April, we’ve seen a potential increase of 3.485 MW of energy demand savings,” said Richard Genece, Vice President for Customer Energy Solutions at Austin Energy. “Achieving our climate goals starts with energy conservation and continues with as much participation in our demand response programs as possible. The more participation that we have in our demand response programs, the closer that we get to that 270 MW by 2035 goal.”
More information about the Commercial Demand Response Program is available at https://austinenergy.com/.
