Based on the technology and market results of PG&E’s 2005-2006 Automated Critical Peak Pricing pilot program conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and Technologies, the Automated Demand Response (Auto DR) program utilizes a communications infrastructure to transmit customers’ demand response signals to PG&E and implements load reductions automatically through their facility’s control system.

How It Works

• Auto DR conducts a thorough analysis of a site’s unique and ongoing energy needs. Working together, PG&E and facility energy managers identify demand reduction strategies, such as managing lighting and HVAC systems, in order to reduce or even eliminate electrical usage during times of high electricity prices or system emergencies.
• Customers are provided with funds to pre-program their energy management and control systems. Automatically, PG&E sends a signal via the Internet to these energy control systems during times of high electricity prices or system emergencies, which initiates a series of pre-programmed, pre-authorized demand reduction strategies.
• These demand reduction events usually occurs during hot, peak-energy use weekdays.

Enrollment and Additional Information

To enroll or find out more information about the Auto DR program, please visit www.auto-dr.com or call 925-284-3780.

Equipment that Qualifies for Incentives

Here are some of the examples of the type of equipment and controls that qualify for incentives:

• Wired and wireless controls for lighting, HVAC, motors, pumps, fans, air compressors, process equipment, audio/video equipment, etc.
• Energy Management software
• Energy Management Systems, including repairs/upgrades/reprogramming of existing controls
• Thermostats, plug strips, occupancy sensors and other devices capable of receiving curtailment signals
• Appliances and vending machines capable of receiving curtailment signals