Also known as DSR, Demand Response, DR, or Demand Management, Demand Side Response is a way of balancing electricity supply and demand. It is a tool used by grid operators to avoid power outages that can be caused by capacity stress at peak periods.
If a business can be flexible with its energy usage, it can take part in a DSR programme to help periodically decrease energy demand and earn additional revenue. In the long term, Demand Side Response also leads to lower overall prices for energy.
By offering participants financial incentives to temporarily reduce their energy consumption, Demand Side Response programmes free up grid capacity when electricity demand outstrips the supply. It also helps participants to reduce their energy costs by minimising usage while energy is more expensive.
There is no one-size method of reducing demand, as individual businesses will adjust their consumption based on their operational requirements, available assets and the type of organisation they are, though common reduction steps include:
Organisations with the ability to reduce electricity consumption, or revert to 1MW or more of onsite capacity, can earn direct revenue from taking part. There are two revenue streams open to organisations. Either from direct participation in DSR events, or from simply being on standby.
Participation can be manual or automated, but all participants retain total control over their energy use.
Enel X works in close partnership with its customers to create reduction plans and safeguard core business operations from being affected by participation. Depending on operational requirements, customers can nominate specific timeframes when they want to be available to participate in DSR events.
Watch this video to learn more about the possibilities of DSR.
A new stream of revenue
Depending on the number of MWs organisations can make available, participants can earn substantial new revenue. How often it can be freed up and the current market price also determine the size of payments. Working with Enel X, commercial and industrial participants in Ireland and Northern Ireland can earn up to €16k per MW per year over the next 4 years.
Calculate your earning potential with Enel X’s Demand Response Calculator.
Energy cost savings
Reducing usage at peak times means organisations are using less energy when it is more expensive. This leads to long-term reductions in energy costs.
Cost-free and risk-free
By taking part in DSR events with Enel X, organisations face no upfront costs or risks. If organisations can’t temporarily reduce their consumption, there are no penalties; they’re simply not paid for that event.
Contributing to grid stability
All electricity users in Ireland and Northern Ireland benefit from participation in Demand Side Response, as it is crucial for managing the continued security and supply of energy. By taking part, organisations are helping to stop power outages while generating revenue.
Sustainability and decarbonisation
By helping to balance energy supply and demand, participants make room for more variable renewable energy (VRE) sources, such as wind and solar, to be introduced onto the grid. This helps to decarbonise the economy and meet Net Zero emission targets too.
Improved business resilience
Often used and maintained assets are more reliable. Organisations that use battery and generation assets in DSR events are more likely to be able to use these assets in cases of unpredicted outages.
Protect operations with advance notice of outages
If grid instability and outages are predicted, Demand Side Response participants receive advance warning, giving them the opportunity to prepare. This can give companies like manufacturers the opportunity to schedule downtime and maintenance to coincide with outages.
Overall, Demand Side Response can help organisations to support a flexible grid, increase profitability, reduce emissions, and enhance operational resilience. Read this white paper to find out more.
