Efficient Data Collection Maximizes Demand Response Savings
Real-Time Energy Data Heats Up $365K in Savings for Cold Storage Company
Learn how Summit helped a cold storage company save more than $365,000 through effectively using metering tools to manage their energy loads.
Efficient Data Collection Maximizes Demand Response Savings: In exchange for volunteering to curtail energy load at peak times, participants in demand response programs can earn rebates or monthly payments from demand response providers. However, to participate effectively in these time-of-use programs, end-users must have visibility into their own energy patterns. Gathering energy data in real time is the best way to monitor when and how a company uses power. A real-time view maximizes the financial and operational benefits of demand response programs, while a lack of information can mean even higher prices, rather than savings.
SITUATION
One of the largest cold storage companies in the world was looking to cut costs in the Ontario electric market. Summit Energy’s experienced team of analysts researched emerging opportunities in the area and learned that a demand response program was about to become available, but had yet to be publicly announced. Summit immediately began assessing the economic, environmental and operational risks and benefits associated with the cold storage company participating in the program.
LEADERSHIP
After an in-depth analysis, Summit determined that the demand response program would provide viable savings for its client. Summit had already installed real-time metering capabilities at the client’s Ontario sites to lower energy costs by capturing energy consumption data and managing unnecessary loads. Capitalizing on the availability of the real-time data, Summit delivered a detailed analysis to the cold storage company supporting its recommendation to participate in the demand response program, while reinforcing the value of the real-time metering services. The client’s nine Ontario sites became some of the first demand response participants in the newly available program.
RESULTS
By effectively using the metering tools to manage their energy loads, the cold storage company has saved more than $365,000 since implementing the program. Summit’s metering system provided the company with the information necessary to effectively manage its electric load as well as successfully maintain operations during curtailment periods. The real-time data ensured that each site would remain a viable participant in the program, lowering usage as needed to avoid penalties and seize savings opportunities. Capitalizing on its in-depth market knowledge, Summit enabled the cold storage company to take advantage of the demand response program, maximize its investment in the real-time metering services, and attain its goal of cutting energy costs.
