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.

FCI Performs Massive Energy Assessment For Mattel Inc.!!!

FCI is excited to announce that we are performing an energy assessment for toy juggernaut, Mattel Inc. We will provide Mattel with recommended solutions that will assist them in reducing their energy load and carbon imprint, while simultaneously maintaining and/or enhancing the comfort ability, aesthetics, and safety of their facilities. We are providing Mattel with information that will help them decrease their utility bills and efficiently use their current lighting, HVAC, and water equipment. FCI is honored to be working with this globally recognized brand that is concerned about the environment. More updates soon!!!

FCI Announces New Company Division

FCI is proud to announce that it has rolled out a new direct install division of the company that will be able to serve commercial clients that are above 100 KW. Under this new division, clients will be able to customize their project so that it best fits their energy needs and goals. FCI will perform free comprehensive audits of client facilities and deliver a proposal based off of the findings. Customers who choose to participate will be eligible for rebates and incentives from utility companies that will off set significant amounts of financial investment. FCI can provide solutions for lighting, HVAC, Energy Efficiency, Water usage, and Demand Response within this new direct install division. Be sure to visit fcimgt.com to find out how to make your business green through our new services!

Demand Response Class at Edison's CTAC (FCI Employee Testimonial)

I was fortunate enough to be apart of Southern California Edison's Demand Response training today and the information was invaluable. The class instructor, David Wiley, did an excellent job at explaining the basics of Demand Response and even some of the more technical aspects. I was familiar with many of the concepts already, but he did a great job of giving a more complete understanding of the head knowledge I acquired beforehand. I learned interesting facts such as:

-20% of California's energy is imported on hot days
-When energy reserves are low, energy costs are high (sort of a no brainer, but it clicked for me in the class)
-When power plants/generators charge more than $.50 per kWh, this sends a red flag to the government
-Price Response deals with getting paid to not use higher priced energy
-When businesses shift load to off peak times, this allows them to lower their over head cost and in turn provide their customers with lower prices

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what I absorbed today. I even got a free water bottle! I want to thank FCI for sending me to such a great training and applaud Edison for providing an excellent learning experience. I am one happy employee. If you would like to attend an Edison CTAC seminar, visit: sce.com.

Demand Response:The Next Big Wave in the Energy Sector?

Demand Response (DR) seems to be a very controversial topic in energy circles, largely due to the fact that it is an emerging market in the energy sector. The purpose of DR is to reduce energy load in facilities during specified times, usually when there is a high demand for energy. DR helps to ensure that the rolling blackouts that California was famous for in the late 80's and 90's are minimized. It appears that DR, also known as Management of Demand, is starting to pick up steam as forward thinking countries such as China and England are soliciting the assistance of American Energy giants (Honeywell and Johnson Controls) to implement DR programs. Large DR firm EnerNoc has been in a wrestling match with east coast grid juggernaut PJM (one of the biggest demand response customers in the nation) over the price DR participants should receive for giving up their right to "revenue gererating" energy. There are still a lot of kinks to work out in the DR initiative but there are many credible proponents that are positioning themselves to reap the benefits should Demand Response catch on. FCI has recently partnered with Perry Software Solutions and this union will expand our capacities to serve our client base interested in pursuing Demand Response programs.

FCI Looking To Roll Up Its Sleeves in Long Beach (Delivering A Sustainable Planet #4)

So it turns out the city of Long Beach is serious about energy efficiency and conservation. In 2006, the city installed a giant photovoltaic system in the Long Beach Convention Center. According to LongBeach.gov the system pumps out over 1 million kW-hours of pollution free electricity, making it one of the premier solar systems on the west coast. Since FCI has recently made its humble abode in Long Beach, we are eager and anticipating to join the city's energy cause as it pertains to the city wide approach to sustainability, conservation, and efficiency.  This progressive city is a perfect fit for FCI because we share a common goal in delivering a sustainable planet. FCI is looking to partner with Long Beach in implementing Demand Response programs (The convention center and city hall participate in Edison DR programs) and other initiatives that assist Long Beach in reaching its conservation ambitions. For more information on Long Beach EE projects, visit LongBeach.gov.