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DRAM Balances Energy Usage

By Daniel Stouffer
Jul 3, 2009
As with any supply and demand situation, when energy is in high demand, its going to cost more. But DRAM features controls and software that enable enterprises, such as stores, hotels and other retail operations, to benefit from energy price reductions by implementing demand response programs. Such energy saving solutions can be utilized without interfering with key store operations.

Advanced technology, DRAM, or Demand Response and Advanced Metering, monitors energy use within given parameters to help reduce usage during peak demand. This type of monitoring helps to set the best price for energy usage and ensures reliability and optimization. Furthermore, the company's carbon foot print can be reduced, which is a great help in the battle against global warming.

When it comes to pricing energy, there are various different methods available. When prices are set in advance for a specific time, this is called real-time pricing, but if the pricing is set in advance but can only be changed twice a year, it is called time of use pricing. If different prices are required for different time periods, this is called dynamic pricing, whereas critical demand at certain hours or on certain days calls for critical peak pricing.

The Demand Response part of the DRAM acronym refers to efforts that reduce energy usage during high demand times. The use of these types of programs is increasing throughout the U.S. as companies look to reduce their energy costs and gain better control of their energy use among all sites enterprise wide.

Within the DRAM system, advanced metering sets up a recording schedule, allowing energy usage to be tracked and reported. Special software can be used for data management purposes to track and record, and price-based demand response programs can be introduced.

Using a computer from anywhere in the world, a company can control HVAC, lighting, equipment and backup generators by using DRAM controls and programs. An entire energy demand system can be controlled remotely by using an administrative interface for one or many sites. Several energy scenarios can be anticipated for demand response execution and energy can be tracked in real time. The central system can be established irregardless of the number of sites or locations.

By using DRAM, retail enterprises can identify energy loads for curtailment through a web enabled network system. Through the use of computerized controls and software, companies can better manage stored electrical loads in an effort to curtail energy use during peak times. Testing and verification of curtailments can be easily conducted, as well as automatic notification to utility companies for demand response participation.

Energy response solutions are best provided by enterprise energy management services through an integrated Web channel. In this way, special cost savings can be opened up, including incentives and rebates, to industrial, institutional and commercial businesses who participate in consumption control and demand reduction.
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