Event

Improving Participation of Commercial and Industrial Customers in Demand Response Programs

Demand response (DR) programs can offer significant benefits to a range of stakeholders, including electricity consumers, distribution network service providers (DNSPs), system operators, and the energy market. However, there is a need for extensive research to optimize and fully unlock the potential of DR programs, given the complexity and unique characteristics of loads connected to commercial and industrial (C&I) customer premises, as well as the utilization of backup generators for DR and the baseline calculation process.

In this webinar, the project team behind the project “Optimisation of behind-the-meter DER generation assets within network constraints: A roadmap to successful DR program” presented their findings and recommendations.

The webinar delved into the application of machine learning techniques for baseline improvement and the deployment strategies for backup generators in DR programs.

The study team discussed their key insights and recommendations on how to improve the involvement of C&I customers in DR programs-  

• Overview of the Demand Response Project – Lasantha Meegahapola (Associate Professor, RMIT)
• Machine Learning Techniques for Baseline Determination – Mahdi Jalili (Professor, RMIT)
• Improving Backup Generator Participation in Demand Response – Lasantha Meegahapola (Associate Professor, RMIT)
• Outcomes and Recommendations – Kedem Levy (C&I Demand Response Manager, AGL)

The project uncovered strong correlations between the weather parameters (e.g. temperature) and historical energy demand profiles of some of the C&I customer groups (e.g. shopping centres).  These correlations have assisted to develop enhanced demand response baselines using machine learning techniques, and ultimately they can deliver the best outcomes to both the C&I customers (improved revenue) and network operators (reliability and security). The team also completed a comprehensive review on backup generator connection requirements stipulated in various, local, national, and international distribution network codes and regulations. This has helped to understand the feasibility and potential costs that would need to be considered by C&I Customers who want to participate in demand response programs by feeding energy back into the network.

Categories: Demand Response