Speed is now a priority that complements reliability, cost, and sustainability when designing power systems. Distributed behind-the-meter systems can be deployed at speed and utilize control architectures to unlock the “hidden energy abundance” in the grid that better utilizes available headroom during non-peak times and reduces system-wide load during peak times or periods of grid stress. 

This session will characterize the market for grid responsive systems and discuss how this approach creates mutual benefit for utilities and ratepayers to reduce costs, improve reliability, defer long-lead and expensive capital upgrades to the grid, and provide back-up power for critical systems in the event of a grid disturbance. ASU and ELM will share results from a deployment with Arizona National Guard leading to utility bill savings of up to 40% and improved resilience of 22%, without installing any new capital assets.