1. Smart thermostats are part of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) that can benefit the grid.
2. Only 30% of eligible customers with smart thermostats participate in load flexibility programmes.
3. To increase mass adoption of grid-beneficial programmes, focus on making energy engagement easy, increasing access to incentives, and coaching customers on positive impacts.
The mass market adoption of grid-beneficial programs requires a focus on smart thermostats and other Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) like rooftop solar and electric vehicles. With DERs predicted to increase significantly in the coming years, there is a need to establish demand-side flexibility to support a decarbonized grid while managing potential reliability risks.
To achieve widespread adoption of grid-beneficial programs, three key focus areas must be prioritized: making energy engagement easy and delightful, increasing access to load flexibility program incentives and enrollment opportunities, and coaching customers to positively impact the grid. Utilities are working to improve online experiences and provide access to marketplaces where customers can enroll in programs and purchase energy-saving products.
Engaging customers in load flexibility programs is crucial, as is providing them with guidance on how to best utilize their DERs. By orchestrating DERs in a way that accommodates customer preferences, both comfort and grid performance can be improved. Implementing these strategies now will help ensure that grid-beneficial load flexibility grows alongside the expected proliferation of DERs, ultimately leading to improved grid reliability, reduced costs, and accelerated decarbonization. Erin Keys of Uplight, with experience in the power industry, emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in driving towards a more sustainable energy future.