REP Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Increase peak electricity demand to justify new generation capacity

Answer

Replace all fossil fuel generation with renewable sources within five years

Answer

Eliminate the need for energy storage systems by increasing solar output

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Energy Use Intensity (EUI)

Answer

Power Factor (PF)

Answer

Capacity Factor (CF)

Answer

Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)

Question 3

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:

Accepted Answer

Time-of-use (TOU) pricing

Answer

Net metering

Answer

Feed-in tariff

Answer

Renewable portfolio standard

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

A unit representing electricity saved through conservation or efficiency measures

Answer

One million watts of renewable energy generated

Answer

The rated power output of a negative-efficiency system

Answer

Excess power exported to the grid from rooftop solar

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Section 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction

Answer

Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Answer

Production Tax Credit (PTC)

Answer

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Install additional on-site solar panels immediately

Answer

Purchase additional electricity from the spot market

Answer

Increase production to stabilize frequency

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

A grid powered exclusively by renewable energy sources

Answer

A high-voltage transmission system that reduces line losses over long distances

Answer

A grid that automatically replaces aging infrastructure without human intervention