Putting Demand Response to Work for California

Because of its success in deploying clean energy, California, the nation's leader in solar installation, finds itself with "over-generation" (lots of electricity) coinciding with times when solar output is greatest. The duck-shaped chart in this report was created by the California In...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Policy File 2015
Main Authors: Panfil, Michael, Fine, James
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
Consumers
Energy
Environmental Defense Fund
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:Because of its success in deploying clean energy, California, the nation's leader in solar installation, finds itself with "over-generation" (lots of electricity) coinciding with times when solar output is greatest. The duck-shaped chart in this report was created by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) as a look into the future potential impact on their grid operations. The chart illustrates how increasing levels of intermittent resources can create new ramping patterns. The duck chart is often said to show an impending challenge. In reality, however, it reveals a combination of past and current success in increasing renewable resources and, importantly, consumer opportunities. The challenge for grid operators can be seen in the "neck" of the duck chart when solar generation comes off-line (i.e., when the sun goes down) and other resources must be used to meet demand. In response, grid managers predict the need for energy resources that can be deployed quickly to meet this steep "ramp" as the sun is setting. This challenge, therefore, is also an opportunity for the DR-enabled consumer to "deramp" their demand. Thus, the duck chart is what will happen if we don't enable consumers to play a role in managing their electricity consumption.