Reducing peak demand, saving energy, and improving your bottom line
What is the Demand Response Program?
Periods of peak demand drive up the price of electricity, put a strain on the electricity grid, and affect its reliability.
The DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM is designed to compensate participating businesses. All you have to do is reduce your energy consumption when you receive periodic activation notices. You’ll earn a significant monthly payment for taking part, and you’ll save on your direct energy costs at the same time.
The bottom line is the DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM will help your business control and reduce its electricity demand at specific times, while helping Ontario defer the need to build new generation, reducing its own environmental footprint, and ensuring reliable delivery to meet everyone’s needs.
DEMAND RESPONSE can be incorporated into your business’ energy management plan in any or all of the following ways:
- Shed load by turning off non-essential lighting.
- Power down non-critical equipment.
- Use electricity from an on-site generator.*
- Shift production to non-peak periods.
And, along with our other conservation and reduction programs, reducing your electricity costs and consumption improves your bottom line.
*Some limitations apply: Your generator will need a Certificate of Approval from the Ministry of the Environment to participate in the Demand Response program.
Who is Eligible?
Your facility’s yearly peak demand should be at least 50kW. And, your facility must have an interval meter.
How Do I Participate?
There are two ways to participate in Ontario’s DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM, depending on your facility's operational needs:
Voluntary Demand Response Program (DR1)
OR
Contractual Demand Response Program (DR3)