Tekton Inc. has partnered with utility companies throughout the state of California and assisting clients in participating in the Automated Demand Response (Auto DR) program. 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 Auto DR
program utilizes a communication infrastructure to transmit customers'
demand response signals to the utility and implements load reductions
automatically through their facilities's control system.
How It Works
Auto DR conducts a thorough analysis of a site's unique and
ongoing energy needs. Working together, Tekton, Inc. 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, the utility 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.
Grid Neutral Schools Program
On December 9, 2008, the State and Consumer Services Agency announced
the release of California's "grid neutral" guidebook; a step-by-step
guide to help California schools and community colleges cut energy costs
through on-site electricity generation. The program was spearheaded by
the California State Architect and a team of environmental experts. It
is the first comprehensive program for schools to use to create campuses
that generate as much electrical energy as they consume in a year.
