What is a demand response program?
The supply of electricity must precisely increase and decrease to perfectly match the demand for electricity on our regional power grid. A demand response program enables businesses to earn incentives by reducing the use of electricity (or by running generators) at times when electricity is in short supply. Typically, during the hottest summer days, there are periods when electricity demand is forecasted to exceed supply. During these peak demand hours, demand response programs are activated across the region to help relieve the power grid and keep the power flowing. Such programs are designed to minimize the occurrence of rotating outages and are a result of a joint effort between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), state utility commissions, and various state agencies.

Why participate in the Comverge Demand Manager C&I program?
Demand Manager C&I is administered by Comverge, the market leader in load control and price-responsive systems, so you can be confident that Demand Manager C&I features the latest technology. In addition, Comverge has carefully structured its programs to provide the highest reward at the lowest risk versus other programs. Plus, Comverge is focused on helping you with reducing your overall energy bill above and beyond demand response.

Will I need equipment upgrades to participate?
This depends on whether or not your facility is currently equipped with an interval meter. Comverge will provide a FREE on-site energy audit as part of our turn-key Demand Manager C&I program. If your facility needs it, then Comverge will provide FREE equipment upgrades (up to $250/kW). This technology not only provides insightful data regarding your facility’s electricity usage, power quality, and load profile, but also can help you reduce expenses and increase revenue.

Is this an authorized PG&E Program?
Yes. Comverge, Inc., a leading provider of clean energy solutions through demand response, announced recently that it has entered into a five-year contract with Pacific Gas and Electric Company to provide new Commercial and Industrial Virtual Peaking Capacity™. The Comverge Demand Manager C&I program can deliver up to 50 megawatts of demand response capacity in the first two years. In March 2007, PG&E made a commitment to deliver additional electric capacity in 2007 - 2008. Our Demand Manager C&I program was specifically designed to meet the requirements of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ruling for improved demand response programs.

How does my company get paid?
Unlike in other programs where a credit is applied to your energy bill, with the Comverge Demand Manager C&I program, you actually receive a check at the end of the year. You can use this positive revenue as you please.

How is Comverge compensated?
As an authorized demand response aggregator for various California utilities, Comverge enrolls large electricity users like your company, and in turn sells the total reduced demand to the local utility, at an agreed-upon price. The difference between what Comverge offers as your incentive and what is paid to Comverge by the utility covers employee salaries, operations, and program revenue.

Can I participate in a demand response program directly with my utility, rather than with Comverge?
Yes, but it makes more sense to enroll with a provider like Comverge rather than a utility because demand response is our number one priority. As a result, you save money and experience the added value that a true demand response program can offer. Enrolling in Comverge’s Demand Manager C&I program also makes tracking the financial benefits of participation easier when compared to traditional bill credit programs, which may not keep a separate account of your savings.

Is there any risk to my revenues?
Surprisingly, you may have more risk to your revenues if you do not participate as you may be subject to rotating outages. By joining Comverge’s Demand Manager C&I program, you will not only receive cash incentives for your participation, but also help reduce the occurrences of rotating outages which will, in turn, help you reduce expenses and increase revenues.

Who is AER?
Comverge’s Alternative Energy Resources Group provides industry leading turn-key demand response solutions. The Alternative Energy Resources Group primarily offers our Virtual Peaking Capacity, or VPC, programs, through which we provide electric capacity to our utility customers during periods of peak energy demand by remotely operating high energy-consuming devices.

Why act now?
We’re offering our best cash incentives to commercial and industrial customers right now. The sooner you sign up, the larger your savings will be.