Tuesday, September 27, 2011

So How Does Demand Response Work Anyway?


Demand Response (DR) is a collective group of programs and activities that enable a better distribution of energy use across the grid. During peak energy use times, utilities seek to better control energy load to mitigate blackouts and limit the need to generate more electricity from power plants. Demand Response is becoming a more mainstream and widely accepted approach for reducing critical energy load for both commercial and residential users. Users who are a part of a Demand Response program are called upon to reduce their energy load by a certain percentage when an event is called (an event is when the utility company calls for energy reduction from DR participants). There are DR programs that even pay participants for participating in them even if no energy reduction events are called. Demand Response is an attractive proposition for many businesses because it provides another stream of revenue and also shows that these companies are environmentally friendly, doing their part to improve the energy crisis. FCI currently offers Southern California Edison's (SCE) Capacity Bidding Program to our clients. We do this in addition to the energy efficiency and water conservation solutions that we offer in order to provide our customers with maximum energy saving potential.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

FCI Partners With Pasadena Water and Power To Implement SBDI Program


FCI is now working with Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) to implement its Small Business and Direct Install (SBDI) program. With PWP, FCI will identify customers that qualify for an assortment of measures such as LED lighting, Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM), Anti Sweat Controls, HVAC work, and water products. PWP is taking a comprehensive approach as it relates to serving their customers. FCI is excited to be a part of this new endeavor and we look forward to serving the city of Pasadena.