When the demand for energy is outpacing the electricity supply on the grid, unexpected power outages can occur.  During these times, users in Demand Response programs can be called upon to curtail their usage. This helps both the grid as well as the users find ways to conserve energy.  These programs are very beneficial to participating users because they are compensated for their curtailment actions! 

Businesses involved in these programs also experience reduced capacity costs, better operational reliability, and increased safety protocols. They can also receive funds for other business projects or internal resources.

Distributed Generation (DG) is grid-connected technology that can run independently. These generators produce and store electrical power for a building. This type of generation can take place locally with larger, decentralized renewable energy technology (wind turbines, geothermal, solar fields, etc.).  It can also be done with technology right at the building’s location. 

Distributed Generation devices are typically small, modular fuel cell or gas-powered generators (similar to backup generators).  They can also be smaller renewable energy generators (solar panels, etc.) that have enough power for a portion of a building. Some of these renewable energy generators can also produce enough power for an entire building. 

Certain distributed generation devices can even produce additional revenue streams for the user. DG systems provide reliable, inexpensive, and more efficient power.  They also minimize environmental impact like habit disruption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Microgrids, a type of distributed generation, are self-contained power systems that are used to power a small geographic area. While they are connected to the centralized grid, they can be disconnected from it to power local buildings. There are a variety of systems that can generate power for a microgrid.  These include solar energy panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, and more.

Microgrids are often used in remote areas, military operations, and industrial projects.  They are also increasingly being used in cities/towns, urban centers, campuses, hospitals, and data centers.  Microgrids provide higher energy efficiency, minimize overall energy consumption, and reduce the impact on the environment. They are also beneficial to the electrical grid as they help relieve congestion and reduce power losses.

The concept of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is simple: panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. When excess electricity is generated, it is sent back to the grid. 

Solar energy has little impact on the environment. It also offers multiple tax incentives, federal grants, and rebate programs that assist with initial costs.  Solar panels can be installed directly on a building. They can also be accessed through a public solar field/farm on the grid. This process is called virtual net metering (varies per state/utility).

Upgrading a building’s old and outdated lighting is one of the most common ways to conserve energy.  The process is simple and can reduce energy usage by as much as 75%! 

Because of this, projects like upgrading to higher efficiency LED fixtures and implementing advanced lighting controls are some of the most cost-effective efficiency upgrades for a building. These projects can slash operation costs, reduce a building’s carbon footprint, significantly lower energy use, and much more.

Combined Heat and Power Systems (CHP) or cogeneration is technology that generates electricity and captures the heat byproduct. This byproduct that would otherwise be wasted is used to create thermal energy. The thermal energy (like steam or hot water) can be used for heating, cooling, hot water, and industrial/manufacturing processes. 

CHP units can be used as a utility resource or installed at an individual building. They are typically used in facilities where there is a need for both electricity and thermal energy. This equipment is energy efficient, environmentally friendly, economical, and very reliable.

Fuel Cells are electrochemical cells that transform chemical energy of fuels like hydrogen and oxygen into electricity through chemical reactions.  These types of fuel cells can continuously produce electricity as long as there is a steady supply of fuel (natural gas) and oxygen. 

While systems like this can be expensive, they are extremely green as they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions and provide reliable energy as they don’t need to be connected to a centralized grid. They are popular in remote locations where it is difficult to transmit electricity to.