As part of the 2013 Demand Response Symposium hosted by the Smart Energy Demand Coalition (SEDC) and RAP, European Programmes Director Richard Cowart explored the benefits of demand response as a power system resource in a decarbonized energy industry. Coupled with energy efficiency, demand response generates a wealth of benefits, including avoided emissions, the reduction of line losses, avoided reserves, and “non-energy” benefits, such as health and safety, building durability, and water benefits. The New York utility Con Edison put a price tag on these benefits, citing savings of over one billion dollars through the implementation of demand response to eliminate 149 MW, rather than invest in transmission and distribution. As power markets see the integration of increasing amounts of variable renewable energy, demand response and energy efficiency are essential to creating a low-emissions, affordable power sector. Mr. Cowart outlined recommended market options and regulatory reforms that capture the value of demand response.

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