Demand Response Markets Explained

The Energy Markets create a lucrative opportunity for large energy users with variable load to “trade” negawatts or reductions of energy for energy payments in the wholesale electricity Demand Response markets. There are three basic categories of markets that create these opportunities:

For more information about your state, please call our offices or email us at info@viridityenergy.com

Reliability Markets

Reliability Markets (often categorized under Capacity, Emergency or Peak-shaving programs) compensate consumers for committing to avoid using a specified amount of electricity during times electric capacity may not meet regional reliability requirements.

Successful Customer Type Those able to reduce or eliminate electricity load for a number of consecutive hours a few times per year
Program Trigger Reliability: When the grid is experiencing instability or supply shortage
Program Frequency Historically activated only a few times per year but can be called at higher frequencies
Payment Structure Monthly availability payments + energy payments for energy used if program is activated (*varies slightly by region)
Typical Benefits Additional Revenue stream, awareness of grid instability ahead of any power reduction measures are taken

Economic Markets

Economic Markets (sometimes called Energy or Pricing markets) are run to coordinate the commitment and dispatch of generation and demand resources and facilitate electric energy trading. Consumers earn revenue by reducing energy when wholesale energy prices are high.

Successful Customer Type Those able to reduce or shift electricity load frequently for short or long periods of time at any point during the year
Program Trigger When wholesale electricity prices are high, customer load can act as a reliable, less expensive and sustainable alternative to generation
Program Frequency Participation frequency is based on voluntary bids. Multiple opportunities exist daily.
Payment Structure Energy payment for energy used if bid is accepted (*varies slightly by program and region)
Typical Benefits
Additional revenue stream, energy savings from lowering energy usage during  high priced hours, potential retail rate savings

Ancillary Markets

Ancillary Markets act as an insurance policy against the unforeseen loss of a major power plant or transmission line. In addition, they help balance the flow of electricity minute-to-minute.

Successful Customer Type Those with Qualifying energy load or equipment that are able to reduce energy with little notification time
Program Trigger Grid balance and reliability
Program Frequency Participation frequency is based on voluntary bid. Multiple opportunities exist daily.
Payment Structure Payments based on voluntary bid acceptance
Typical Benefits Additional revenue stream, energy savings from avoiding high energy usage during  high priced hours

Through our VPower™ optimization engine, we enable our customers to non-intrusively gain benefits from continually shifting and managing your energy load to take advantage of energy market opportunities without affecting your core operations.  Since our software is smart enough to co-optimizing across multiple markets, we can identify the most profitable and appropriate market for that time, thereby maximizing your revenue and savings.

Regional Contacts for More Information

Region Contact Email Phone
Texas Jerry Winter jwinter@viridityenergy.com 484.534.2222
All other regions Tyler Breiner solutions@viridityenergy.com 484.534.2222