Auto-DR is an automation-based communications infrastructure that provides demand response (DR) program participants electronic, internet-based price and reliability signals that are linked to the facility energy management control systems (EMCS) or related building and automated process control systems. Auto-DR price and reliability signals trigger pre-programmed energy management and curtailment strategies developed by the customers in an automated manner. The Auto-DR price and reliability signals can be used to automate the response to dynamic pricing as well as conventional interruptible and demand bid options.
Auto-DR was developed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) through their Demand Response Research Center, funded by the California Energy Commission{\textquoteright}s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program. LBNL has been operating Auto-DR pilot research programs since 2003 in a number of facilities throughout California. Results from the pilot efforts demonstrate that Auto-DR can deliver lowcost, reliable, consistently repeatable electric demand response in different types of facilities (mainly commercial buildings).
Drawing from the successful results of LBNL{\textquoteright}s pilot efforts, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) required all California IOUs to deploy larger-scale Auto-DR efforts in their service territories as a way to enhance their overall demand response program portfolios and be better prepared to respond to severe heat storms that typically hit the state during the summer months.
}, year = {2008}, month = {02/2008}, institution = {PG\&E}, publisher = {PG\&E}, }