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| Fully automated LOBOS demand response systems  As a lingering heat wave leaves Southern California sweltering, a growing number of commercial and industrial buildings are realizing the benefits of conserving energy. Buildings equipped with fully automated LOBOS demand response systems reduce electricity usage when statewide energy supplies are low in exchange for financial incentives, under Southern California Edison's Demand Response program. The savings can be significant while the utility can avoid power outages. Automated demand response is a critical component of the region's long-term solution to energy availability. Record heat and the closure of the San Onofre nuclear power plant are placing even more stress on the chronically overtaxed electrical grid prompting the California Independent System operator to issue flex alerts twice in recent weeks.Currently, LOBOS systems are delivering more than 8-megawatts of fully automated demand response capability to the grid along with more than $2 million in annual energy savings being created by the energy efficiency component of LOBOS systems. And now, Edison is offering to pay up to 100 percent of the cost to install fully automated demand response technologies such as LOBOS in qualifying buildings. Companies must apply for the program by Dec. 16, 2012, and installation must be completed by September 2013. By the end of 2012, Enerliance and its partners will have installed more than $4.5 million worth of LOBOS demand response systems in buildings throughout Southern California as part of Edison's program. Demand response is only part of what LOBOS offers. Its energy efficiency component can deliver big savings while improving the comfort of the building's occupants. Heating and cooling systems account for about 40 percent of the energy used in most buildings. The average LOBOS energy efficient installation cuts the energy those systems use by 25 to 50 percent. In addition, Edison offers rebates and incentives based on energy efficiency as well. The bottom line is averting power interruptions, offsetting costs and avoiding the needless output of greenhouse gases. "We're all concerned about energy efficiency. But, the real motivator for me is leaving a better planet for our kids," said Scot Duncan, Enerliance founder and CEO. write your comments about the article :: © 2012 Construction News :: home page |