Demand Response Opportunities for AESAP Customers
Qualify for up to a $5,000 enrollment bonus for enrolling in a PG&E demand response program!
Demand response (DR) allows agriculture customers to save or earn money by shifting operations outside of peak afternoon and evening periods on some summer days. AESAP makes it possible to install automation equipment and upgrade major control systems affecting water pumps, lighting, and HVAC, which can improve the flexibility of operation and open the door for automated demand response participation.
There are multiple ways to earn: Customers can start by earning a rebate on the energy-efficient equipment installed from AESAP. Additional incentives are available from AESAP for upgrading to DR-integrated technology and for enrolling in a PG&E DR program. Money can also be earned by participating in a demand response program to receive direct payments or utility bill discounts.
AESAP customers are eligible to receive a one-time signing bonus for enrolling in a PG&E DR program. The incentive will be paid at a rate of $50 per kW of committed load in the DR program, up to a maximum of $5,000.
Want to learn how to get started? Get in touch with us today.
Base Interruptible (BIP)
The Base Interruptible Program (BIP) is intended to provide load reduction on PG&E’s system on a day-of basis. If you have an average maximum demand of at least 100 kW you can earn a monthly incentive for reducing your energy consumption to prescribed levels when called upon.
Capacity Bidding (CBP)
The Capacity Bidding Program (CBP) runs May 1st through October 31st, generally between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., but you can join any time. The program will let you know the day ahead if and when a reduction in operation is needed, allowing you to create a plan that offers flexibility in deciding how you can earn incentives by reducing your energy usage when called upon.
Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP)
The Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP) allows customers to voluntarily participate in load reduction when the grid is especially stressed and get paid $2 per kWh. An event may be called any day of the week from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the months of May through October with an event duration of one hour to five hours without penalties.
Peak Day Pricing
Get discounted rates throughout the year. Peak Day Pricing charges for energy use vary based on different times of day. Electricity costs less during off-peak times than during partial-peak or on-peak hours, rewarding customers who are able to reduce or adjust energy use during periods of high demand.
Learn more about PG&E’s demand response programs by visiting pge.com/demandresponse.
By upgrading and installing qualifying equipment, customers are able to modify the operations of their equipment during peak periods in the summer. By enrolling in a DR program, customers can earn an additional $200 per kilowatt (kW) of committed load shed with a DR program, up to 100 percent of the project cost or $50,000, whichever is less.
Project costs eligible for the demand response technology incentive include:
- Equipment eligible for AESAP rebates
- Qualifying controls
- Installation, programming, and commissioning labor
- Project management for technology procurement and installation
- Connectivity and cloud subscription fees
The example below illustrates how you can layer AESAP and demand response technology incentives to offset the cost of a new pump variable frequency drive (VFD):
Many other upgrades may qualify for demand response technology incentives, including ventilation fans, horticultural lighting, lighting controls, and more. For more information on what projects can qualify, please get in touch with our team.
Additional incentives are available through the PG&E Automated Demand Response offering:
The Automated Demand Response Program (ADR) is an easy way to increase energy and cost savings by automating the energy controls of your choice, no matter what agriculture sector you’re in. ADR can also help you reach your sustainability goals through credits towards LEED, NetZero and more. ADR must be paired with DR program enrollment in CBP, PDP, or DRAM.
*These calculations are estimates only and meant to provide general information for DR program participation. The load shed calculations are DR program specific and may vary depending on final program choice, the meters/accounts, and the load shed strategies employed included in the final scope. Additionally, the actual DR benefits may also differ from these estimates depending on the actual load shed performance on event days.
There are many cost-effective ways to finance your projects. We can help you find a way that works best for your business. One option available is the Small Business Financing (SBF) program (GoGreen Financing), offering financing with attractive terms for energy-efficiency improvements to businesses. Learn more here.
Interested in learning more or ready to get started?
Reach out to AESAP to learn about DR opportunities available.
