• Demand Response tool

• Economic instrument

• A key to sustainable behaviors

• Based on Fire Drill protocol

• May include technical measures

• Focus is on people taking action

 

Benefits & results

• Energy, peak demand and emission reductions

• Improved system reliability

• Reduced price volatility (if broadly adopted)

 

How It Works

Modeled after a smog alert, the energy drill is triggered by a smog alert, high wholesale energy prices, electricity system reliability issues, or other alarms (public appeals, etc.). "Energy Marshals" undertake a prescribed set of demand reduction measures. These may include resetting thermostats, turning off unnecessary lighting and equipment, or deferring energy consumption (e.g. arena refrigeration). Demand reduction measures are designed to not interfere with reasonable occupant comfort, operations, or safety.

 

Key Reasons to Participate

• Community Responsibility

• Good for the Environment

• Reduces Customer Operating Cost

• Increases Customer Participation

 

Testimonial: Sobey's Retail Distribution Centre

Sobeys is reaping many benefits through participation in a program sponsored by Milton Hydro: The Energy Drill Programª. Participants reduce their electricity consumption and demand for one hour on receipt of a notice from Milton Hydro, advising them that the wholesale market price of electricity has exceeded $0.12 per kilowatt hour.

 

Paul McVicar, Sobeys Ontario Maintenance Manager states: "The Energy Drill Program" has substantial benefits and it is easy for us to participate in.  We operate a large refrigeration plant whose output we can adjust so long  as we stay within preset temperature limits in the coolers and freezers.  When asked by Milton Hydro to reduce demand, we let the system coast for

an hour or two.  Together, with other participants, we help stabilize the price of electricity in Ontario. It also has environmental benefits as well. Electricity prices tend to be high during periods of high demand. During these periods electricity production is increased through oil and coal fired generation units, increasing environmental emissions. By cutting back, we help

avoid these incremental emissions. In addition, we receive compensation for taking this action."

 

Participation began in November 2005 and was limited to weekdays as a pilot. In December, the participation was expanded and Sobeys responded to 26 events. The refrigeration plant operators are now monitoring the cost of electricity as diligently as they monitor the temperatures and pressures of the refrigeration system and are making operational decisions with the electrical supply in mind.