OhmConnect’s Texas summer demand response program results: energy reduction, cost savings

Courtesy: Ohmconnect

As temperatures soared and power consumption broke records across Texas, energy provider OhmConnect Energy’s (OCE) customers responded to calls to reduce their usage, taking strain off the grid while also reducing their utility bills.

OCE, a retail electricity provider, utilizes demand response (DR) during peak times and aims to reward its customers for saving energy. OCE dispatched nearly 40 energy-saving events, throughout the month of August, the company said.

During the summer heatwaves, OCE customers collectively delivered 65MWh in energy savings to the grid by consistently reducing peak load by 5% during energy savings events. OCE says its customers also saved 6 to 8 percent on their energy bills.

In return for energy-saving efforts, OCE gives customers reward points that can be turned into cash, converted into credits on their electricity bills, entered into prize drawings, or used to buy smart devices that further reduce their energy use. This scheme is intended to save customers money while relieving pressure on the Texas grid. 

When customers participate in OCE’s events, which are typically one hour long, they can reduce their annual energy bill by up to 15%, said the company. The program has no caps and customers are encouraged to participate as much as they can in order to lower their electric bill and earn rewards. 

OCE entered the Texas market early last year. The “flexible demand” program is modeled after parent company OhmConnect’s business in California, where its nearly 200,000 customers helped stabilize the grid by removing almost 1GWh of energy usage between August 13-20, 2020. Together those customers received $1 million for their energy-saving efforts, the company said.

Texas residents who are within the competitive regions of ERCOT are eligible to receive service from OCE and participate in the company’s demand response programs. OCE can sync with the customer’s smart devices (including smart thermostats and smart plugs) to reduce energy use at peak times. Customers also may opt out of any event without penalty.

“As heatwaves and risk of blackouts become more common in Texas, empowering residential customers to play a part in the market will continue to be invaluable in supporting the grid,” said Don Whaley, Advisor to OCE. Residential DR places the power in the hands of consumers, enabling them to have a positive impact on the grid while simultaneously reducing their monthly electric bills. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The State of Texas has begun to recognize demand response as a solution for ensuring grid reliability. The introduction of SB 1699, which encourages electric providers to offer demand response capabilities to their customers, is a first step in the evolution of Texas’ electric grid. SB 1699 directs the Public Utility Commission to set targets for energy reduction during peak times; OCE says its customers set an impressive standard with their performance this summer and one that can serve as a guide for the Commission as it establishes future goals for the market.

Trump’s ‘unpredictability’ shakes investors – This Week in Cleantech

This Week in Cleantech is a weekly podcast covering the most impactful stories in cleantech and climate in 15 minutes or less.
wind turbines in front of an orange sunset

Renewables permitting has been ‘paralyzed’ by Trump – This Week in Cleantech

This Week in Cleantech is a weekly podcast covering the most impactful stories in cleantech and climate in 15 minutes or less.