The Power of Demand

Abstract

Electrical demand management is a strategy used by utility com-
panies to manage peak consumption. For commercial customers, utility
companies often include electric demand charges for the maximum
power used during a specified time period, measured in $/kW. This is
in addition to the charge for power consumed measured in $/kWh. Rate
structures generally vary by region and utility company, but the prem-
ise is the same. Strategies designed to avoid or minimize the impact of
electric demand to reduce operating cost are not a new idea; however,
these designs are used primarily in facilities that are large power users
where the operation of energy consuming systems can be scheduled to
take advantage of the rate structure.
The energy performance of a building is dependent on choices
made by the occupants about the proper use and maintenance of build-
ing systems. Thus, controlling and adjusting occupant behavior is
important to ensuring the full potential of high performance facilities.
Traditionally, the design team’s role on a project ends when the build-
ing is built and all of the post-construction documentation is provided
to the owner. Systems in modern-day buildings are complex, especially
for users who lack training in architecture or engineering. These misun-
derstood systems are often incorrectly altered which ultimately impacts
building energy consumption. Design, commissioning, and energy pro-
fessionals can positively impact building performance by training the
building occupants on how their systems work.