Demand response changes building management software requirements

Pike Research estimates that 1.5 million buildings will be enrolled in utility demand response programs by 2018, up from 600,000 buildings today. In these programs utilities pay customers to reduce consumption by sending requests to reduce energy consumption during peak demand times. They see penetration into the small building markets, cutting heat and cooling in periods of high demand.

Demand Response (DR) adds an entirely new dimension to building management systems, where scheduling and managing people, or changing people’s comfort expectations, may be as important as building controls. In addition to measuring energy consumption, and savings, the BMS of the future will need to have a pulse on the comfort, productivity and schedules of the building community.

Demand response is reality in many markets. Are your buildings ready?