Customer-Centric Demand Management Using Load Aggregation and Data Analytics

This project developed and demonstrated the Open Demand Side Resources Integration Platform (OpenDSRIP) to allow the integration and coordination of distributed energy resources to maximize load flexibility in response to California’s ambitious climate initiatives and greenhouse gas emission reduction mandates. The proliferation of behind-the-meter, distributed energy resources require careful and thoughtful management of grid resources given intermittent generation from wind and solar resources and increased electrification of buildings and transportation. The platform allowed the integration of diverse customer-distributed energy resources that are connected to the internet but managed through aggregation and coordinated responses driven primarily by dynamic rate signals and how these devices are managed in the industry today. The project was designed to help Californians better understand current mass-market technologies such as smart thermostats, internet-connected water heaters, and other connected devices that are part of an increasingly decentralized grid, and how these technologies can aggregate electric loads at community levels to provide aggregated-demand responses. This report describes the platform design, development, and demonstration of how connected technologies and distributed energy resources can be controlled separately or as an aggregated set of loads within a building or community, as well as what data can help improve understanding of occupant preferences or device performance in response to grid signals. The goal was to understand current opportunities and barriers related to aggregated mass-market end-use devices and technologies as part of a flexible energy system.