Demand Response

With electricity needs increasing across British Columbia, driven by a growing population, expanding electrification, and more frequent extreme weather, organizations are seeking effective, practical strategies to better control their energy consumption.

Demand Response (DR) programs provide a valuable way to lower energy expenses, strengthen the power system resilience, and help speed the transition towards a cleaner energy future.

What is Demand Response?

Demand Response is a proactive energy management strategy that helps organizations reduce or shift electricity use during BC Hydro peak demand periods. It can be carried out manually or through automated systems.

By adjusting operations for short periods, organizations can:

• Support BC Hydro in maintaining the resiliency and efficiency of its power system
• Earn financial incentives offered by BC Hydro
• Reduce exposure to peak demand charges

The following diagram illustrates the typical stages of a DR event:

To effectively participate in Demand Response events, your organization must first identify and prioritize its DR opportunities.

Every facility’s equipment and operational needs are different. Identifying the types of DR actions available and determining their impact requires both technical expertise and strategic thinking.

How Prism can help

Prism works closely with organizations to determine whether Demand Response is a good fit and how to participate effectively.

Our engineering team:

With over 35 years of experience in energy management and deep knowledge of BC Hydro’s requirements, Prism is your trusted partner in developing effective DR strategies.

Who should participate?

BC Hydro’s Demand Response for Business program targets organizations on small general service (SGS), medium general service (MGS), or large general service (LGS) rates as well as organizations that have a designated BC Hydro Key Account Manager.

Benefits you can expect

• Financial rewards: Earn $50 per average kW demand reduction during BC Hydro’s DR season events.
• Operational flexibility: Simple actions like adjusting HVAC setpoints or shifting EV charging can make a big impact. DR can also be automated or manually activated during events.
• Grid support: Contribute to a more resilient energy system.

Demand Response events occur during extreme weather periods and last up to four hours. To enroll, your organization must meet BC Hydro’s eligibility requirements and commit to reducing at least 5% of your electrical load during events.

Want to develop a Demand Response strategy for your organization?