Making Decisions Regarding New Technology Upgrades Within Existing Load Management Programs

摘要

Emerging technologies for load management offer greater demand savings, enhanced features and more customer choices. Utilities with existing load management programs must decide whether, when and how to upgrade to these new technologies. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is faced with such a choice regarding its Peak Corps residential air conditioning load management program. In partnership with the California Energy Commission (CEC), SMUD is evaluating as pilot programs two state-of-the-art load management technologies based on Internet gateway and "smart thermostat" technology. One program, called PowerStat~(SM), is a utility-controlled air conditioner cycling program, while the other, called Power Choice, is a customer-controlled time-of-use program. In this paper, issues surrounding the upgrade decision are examined, using PowerStat~(SM) and Power Choice as examples. Results from the evaluation of the 2002 PowerStat~(SM) program are presented in a framework of questions and answers, which derive from the issues and inform the upgrade decision. Based on findings, recommendations are made for whether and how to migrate the technology to Peak Corps or to proceed with a roll out of a separate PowerStat~(SM) program.