Comverge works with each of our clients to develop the most beneficial scope, breadth, and target of a Demand Response program - long before the first device is ever installed. Comverge's experienced team of Demand Response experts helps the utility determine the goals and expectations for the program and specifies ways that the program could meet or exceed these goals.

One of the first analyses Comverge performs is a survey of controllable load penetration within a specified service territory. Regions differ widely on the adoption of various home cooling technologies and the availability of natural gas for applications like residential heating and water heating. Various other statistical analyses are conducted specific to the given region, including socio-economic mapping, focus groups, and on-site evaluations. The Comverge team then compiles this data for use throughout the program planning process.

Due to the flexible nature of these programs, many different tactics to achieve varying ends can be employed - such as installing both air conditioning and electric hot water heating control at once, or offering varying price structures for energy-savvy consumers. Tactics can also be employed to target specific transmission and distribution constrained areas at the beginning of the recruitment cycle to ensure that adequate load is available to be shed at these key points. Critical decisions are also made as to which type of technology to employ, anticipated integration with future AMI networks, and which market strategies will yield the highest returns.

These are just some of the steps that Comverge employs to build the foundation for a successful Demand Response program. Once the process is complete, a roadmap is constructed and approved for what may become "guaranteed" success.