Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management Flashcards

What is the primary goal of demand-side management (DSM) in the context of renewable energy integration?

Answer: Shift or reduce electricity consumption to better align with renewable energy availability

DSM aims to shift or reduce electricity consumption so load profiles align with times when renewable energy is abundant, reducing reliance on dispatchable fossil fuels.

Which metric is most commonly used to measure the energy efficiency of a building's heating and cooling systems?

Answer: Energy Use Intensity (EUI)

Energy Use Intensity (EUI) measures a building's annual energy consumption per square foot, making it the standard metric for comparing building energy performance.

A utility offers customers a rate that charges higher prices during peak hours and lower prices during off-peak hours. This is an example of:

Answer: Time-of-use (TOU) pricing

Time-of-use pricing varies electricity rates based on the time of day to encourage customers to shift consumption away from periods of high grid demand.

What does the term 'negawatt' refer to in energy efficiency discussions?

Answer: A unit representing electricity saved through conservation or efficiency measures

A negawatt is a conceptual unit coined by Amory Lovins representing a watt of electricity that is saved rather than generated, emphasizing efficiency as a resource.

Which federal program provides tax credits and incentives specifically for improving the energy efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings in the United States?

Answer: Section 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction

Section 179D allows commercial building owners a tax deduction for installing energy-efficient systems, including lighting, HVAC, and building envelope improvements.

In a demand response (DR) program, what action is a large industrial customer most likely asked to take during a grid emergency?

Answer: Curtail or shift non-critical electricity loads to reduce grid stress

Demand response programs compensate large customers for reducing or shifting electricity use during peak demand or grid emergencies, easing stress on the power system.

Which of the following best describes the concept of a 'smart grid' as it relates to energy efficiency and demand-side management?

Answer: A digital electricity network that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers to optimize energy use

A smart grid uses digital communication and sensing technologies to allow utilities and consumers to exchange information in real time, enabling more efficient energy use, demand response, and renewable integration.