Kysyntävastaus

Kysyntävastaus, known in English as demand response, is a program designed to manage electricity consumption. It encourages electricity consumers to reduce or shift their electricity usage during periods of high demand. This is typically done in exchange for financial incentives.

The primary goal of demand response is to help stabilize the electricity grid and reduce the need for expensive and often less efficient peak power plants. During times when demand for electricity is exceptionally high, such as on very hot summer afternoons when air conditioners are running extensively, the grid can become stressed. Demand response programs offer a way to alleviate this pressure without requiring immediate infrastructure upgrades.

Participants in demand response programs can include a wide range of consumers, from large industrial facilities to residential households. The methods for reducing consumption vary. For industrial users, it might involve temporarily shutting down or reducing the output of certain machinery. For commercial buildings, it could mean adjusting thermostat settings or dimming lights. Residential customers might be asked to delay using high-consumption appliances like washing machines or dishwashers.

The incentives offered can take various forms, such as bill credits, direct payments, or reduced electricity rates. The effectiveness of demand response lies in its ability to provide a flexible and cost-effective resource for grid operators, complementing traditional supply-side management strategies. It plays an increasingly important role in modern grid management, especially with the integration of renewable energy sources that can have intermittent availability.