Demand management
By Save Eumundi Team • Jan 1st, 2008 • Category: Alternatives, Viable AlternativesDemand management consists of analysing and identifying the drivers of demand, the main uses of power and the policies for reducing or stabilising energy demand. Listed below are examples of demand management programs:
- Installation of smart meters and variable pricing for different times of day (estimated 10-15% saving) [note 9]
- In California, the peak period pricing reduced peak period demand on critical days by more than 13%. [note 10]
- Different tariffs for air conditioners (user pays approach)
- User education on wasteful energy practices
- Provision of energy efficient light bulbs
- Provision of energy efficient appliances / phasing out of energy intensive appliances
- Minimum appliance standards
- Provision of incentives (rebates / feed in tariffs) for uptake of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar hot water
- Improving the thermal ratings of buildings
Previous implementations by governments of the programs listed above, advice from energy auditors and independent analysis suggest that many businesses and households can save 10–30% on their energy costs without reducing productivity or comfort levels. [note 11]
In the Brisbane area consumption of water has been slashed by 56% by a combination of public awareness campaign and regulation. Why are the power companies so reluctant to save the end consumers money and start taking proactive action now?
Save Eumundi Team is a group of people who are keen to see our environment protected and insisting that the Queensland State Government and its agencies (like Powerlink) consider viable alternatives rather than the business as usual approach to electricity generation and transmission.
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Solar air-conditioning/heating systems have been recently introduced to Australia that reduce peak demand. The system is proven in both residential and commercial applications and uses 30 watts of electrical power. Energy is sourced from roof mounted solar thermal modules (flat panel or evacuated tube) during the day and is stored with regulated release. By storing the solar energy generated during the daytime hours, the system is able to provide full allocation of cooling and/or heating day or night.
A majority of commercial buildings approach 50% power from air-conditioning demand. Such a reduction in electrical demand will have an effect on infrastructure cost for electrical utilities and will assist a great deal in achieving carbon reduction targets. Besides reducing the peak demand and carbon emissions, cutting electrical bills by 50% provides incentive for building owners.
Predictably, utilities have purchased all product to date to address peak demand situations.