Reshaping the Load Duration Curve

GridPoint SmartGrid Platform offers unprecedented flexibility in reshaping the load duration curve. Utilities can either reduce customers' non-essential loads or discharge distributed stored power, separately or in concert, to manage peak periods in a cost-effective, energy-efficient manner.

The platform enables utilities to optimize existing generation, transmission and distribution assets in an environmentally beneficial manner as well as integrate distributed renewable energy sources under direct utility control. The diagram above illustrates GridPoint SmartGrid Platform's powerful impact on the load duration curve.

Reduce Peak Loads

GridPoint SmartGrid Platform offers utilities unparalleled circuit-level measurement and control of customers non-essential loads. Utilities can predict, control and verify loads by type (e.g. air conditioners) either in aggregate or by substation, feeder or individual customer. Additionally, utilities can offer superior demand response programs by minimizing the impact on consumers (i.e. controlling temperature versus shutting down air conditioners) and crediting an individual's bill based on actual versus estimated participation.

Discharge Stored Power During Peak

GridPoint SmartGrid Platform allows utilities to discharge cost-effective peak power from a network of distributed energy storage technologies. The platform's distributed and clean nature enables utilities to rapidly scale their peak power needs while avoiding regulatory, environmental and "time-to-build" hurdles associated with building new power plants.

The platform ensures utilities always have access to peak power. Traditional peaking technologies are often unavailable during peak periods due to routine maintenance, requiring the utilities to replace them with other stand-by resources. GridPoint SmartGrid Platform provides reliable capacity through a network of maintenance-free, autonomous installations.

Offer Value-Added Services

Utilities can also reshape the load duration curve by offering customers value-added services that reduce energy consumption or augment supply. GridPoint SmartGrid Platform offers a compelling value proposition to consumers including online energy management, sophisticated demand response programs, backup power, renewable energy systems, and value-based differentiated pricing to charge plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The platform's flexibility enables utilities to offer one or all of these services.

Optimize Generation and T&D Assets

GridPoint SmartGrid Platform shapes generation by maximizing existing baseload generation assets. During off-peak periods, the platform recharges using highly-efficient baseload generation. During peak periods, utilities can discharge this energy to supply peak power, avoiding the need to turn on expensive and less fuel-efficient peaking technologies.

The platform's distributed nature enables utilities to target deployments to relieve stress on transmission lines and distribution feeders. Through utility-controlled renewable energy sources at the customer site, utilities can also encourage the adoption of renewable energy and allow customers to draw from these sources to reduce the supply of energy required from the grid.