Evaluation of Load Management as an Electric System Resource

Load Management is currently being evaluated by many utilities, including San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), as a demand-side alternative to conventional electric system resources. The industry has identified improved load factors, capacity benefits, and lowering system costs as major operational benefits of load management, but there are still many uncertainties associated with its use as an electric system resource. This paper will address two specific areas. The first area is intended to establish general resource requirements, from the operating standpoint, that can be applied to all resources, Conventional and Alternate. The second area will address the potential of load management as an electric system resource. The SDG&E air conditioner control program will be evaluated in detail utilizing the established resource requirements.