Etterspørselsstyring

Etterspørselsstyring, also known as demand-side management (DSM), refers to strategies and measures implemented by energy utilities and other organizations to influence the amount and timing of energy consumption by their customers. The primary goal of etterspørselsstyring is to reduce peak demand, improve the efficiency of the energy system, and potentially lower overall energy costs for both consumers and providers.

These strategies can be broadly categorized into two main types: energy efficiency and demand response. Energy efficiency measures aim to reduce the total amount of energy consumed by customers to perform the same service, for example, by encouraging the use of more efficient appliances or lighting. Demand response, on the other hand, focuses on changing the timing of energy consumption, often by offering incentives for customers to reduce their usage during periods of high demand or when electricity prices are elevated.

Common etterspørselsstyring programs include rebates for energy-efficient equipment, load control programs where utilities can remotely adjust certain appliances, time-of-use pricing that charges higher rates during peak hours, and direct load control where customers agree to allow the utility to cycle specific appliances like air conditioners on and off during peak demand periods. Successful implementation of etterspørselsstyring can lead to deferred investments in new generation capacity, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced grid reliability.