The electricity grid is a complex system that needs to be carefully balanced in order to keep the lights on. This means that the amount of electricity generated must be equal to the amount of electricity consumed at any given time.
Demand response is a strategy for balancing the demand on power grids by encouraging customers to use electricity during times when it is more plentiful or when demand from other users is lower.
This is typically done through price signals or financial incentives.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) charges different rates for electricity during peak and off-peak periods. Peak periods are typically from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, while off-peak periods are typically from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays.
The ZETDC’s peak and off-peak pricing structure is designed to encourage consumers to use electricity during off-peak periods when demand is lower. This helps to reduce the load on the grid and prevent blackouts.
Consumers can save money on their electricity bills by shifting their electricity consumption to off-peak periods. This can be done by using appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers during off-peak hours, and by turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use.
New digital technologies can automate demand response through connected devices and harness the growing potential of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle batteries and home energy storage systems. However, to achieve these benefits, the pace of policy implementation and technology deployment needs to accelerate.
Government and business need to work together to create a supportive policy environment for demand response and DERs as well as invest in the necessary infrastructure and technologies.
Demand response programmes are beneficial for both consumers and utilities. Consumers can save money on their electricity bills by reducing their consumption during peak periods. They can use smart thermostats to set programmable schedules for heating and cooling, install energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs and unplug electronics when they are not in use. At the same time, utilities can save money on the cost of generating electricity and avoid the need to build new power plants.
Additionally, demand response can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants by reducing the need for fossil fuel-fired power plants, promoting the use of renewable energy sources and reducing energy consumption overall.
Demand response is an important tool for managing the electricity grid and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By encouraging consumers to shift their electricity consumption, demand response can help to reduce the need for fossil fuel-fired power plants and increase the use of renewable energy sources.
Text by Perry Kaande