Energy Management

Demand Response Program

The Demand Response program is a way you can help the University save money during the hottest summer and coldest winter months. PJM provides a reasonable financial incentive for the University of Dayton to participate in this program. During the warmest and coldest months you may be asked to reduce your electrical usage during peak-demand times (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM).  Demand Response strategies are designed to reduce this electrical usage in buildings listed below. **Critical labs in operation will not be asked to participate or shut down any equipment that may disrupt research.**

Participating Buildings

• Main Campus
• Fitz Hall
• Curran Place
• Shroyer Park
• Arena

When does the University of Dayton use Demand Response?

To accomplish our goal we will be asked to reduce the use of electricity from 2 to six hours at a time to help PJM manage the peak electrical load on very hot summer and cold winter days. Generally, the conditions for demand response are extremely hot or cold weather.

The university will experience at least one demand response event annually. Each year PJM conducts a one hour test around the third week of June to make sure all those that are signed up to participate can accomplish their goal of energy reduction. This one hour test may be the only participation required of the university by PJM, unless they need to reduce load on the electric grid during a peak demand period as described before. A campus-wide email will be sent at least two days prior to the demand response test alerting campus users of the day, time, and tips for reducing electricity usage during the test. 

How will I know if there is a curtailment?

When The University of Dayton is called upon by PJM to participate in a peak demand event, PJM will notify the University as soon as possible, but this may be as little as two hours.  A campus-wide email will be sent with time and day of peak load, buildings impacted, and ways to support decreased energy usage. 

What systems are involved?

A variety of demand response strategies have been identified for most facilities. These strategies will include some of the following building strategies in part or whole: air conditioning system temperatures increased, A/C systems cycling on/off or turned off for the duration of the Test/Event, chilled water set points raised, ventilation systems turned off, and/or non-essential lighting turned off. Some equipment will be run off back-up generators, (Arena pumps, Data Center in Raymond L. Fitz Hall).

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