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The Warren Centre Engineering Building J13 Sydney University NSW 2006 T: (02) 9351 3752 F: (02) 9351 2012 E: warrenc@eng.usyd.edu.au |
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The Warren Centre Engineering Building J13 Sydney University NSW 2006 T: (02) 9351 3752 F: (02) 9351 2012 E: warrenc@eng.usyd.edu.au |
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| ISSUE 38, June 2004 |
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Demand management answers growing electricity needs The goal of the electricity supply industry is fairly simple: reliable delivery of electricity to customers. Today, to deliver on that goal, the industry is facing a new imperative: manage an effective demand management program. Demand management is one of a number of ways in which suppliers of a resource can meet their customers’ needs by either shifting or reducing demand peaks. As the demand for electricity is predicted to grow, the process will enable Australia to meet this energy need. Currently, a relatively large percentage (say 15%) of the assets required to deliver electricity to the consumer are used on a relatively small number of peak days (say 3, or less than 1%). Given controlled pricing for utilities, and other issues, there will be limits to the amounts that can be invested in their infrastructure. Thus, if the peak can be kept stable or managed down, that releases funds for wise investment elsewhere. It also has other positive impacts. Demand management is accepted by government, business and industry in Australia as an alternative to developing and building new electricity generation, transmission and distribution capacity. It is also recognised that electricity demand needs better management in the areas of peak load, greenhouse gases and appliance efficiency. A proven performer internationally for over a decade, demand management addresses the causes rather than the symptoms of excessive energy needs. Demand management uses a range of strategies to modify the level and timing of energy demand. Within the demand management toolkit are energy efficient appliances and buildings, distributed generation, standby generation, interruptible contracts, improved network efficiency and more accurate pricing. For customers, the benefits of this alternative to more generation and network expansion include lower energy bills, better energy services, the improved utilisation of resources and fewer environmental costs. One energy supplier that serves a rapidly growing franchise area is Integral Energy which has embraced demand management. “Our demand management program is reducing capital costs, deferring network augmentation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are also customer benefits as the program improves customer awareness and education,” said Maree Zammit, Manager of Strategic Development. An example of Integral Energy’s approach is the program in Castle Hill, a bustling commercial and residential suburb in north western Sydney. The program is a first in Australia with Integral Energy working with the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) to cut peak load in the area. “The project involves negotiations with major commercial customers to reduce their demand through initiatives such as efficient air conditioning upgrades and lighting,” says Ms Zammit. “Underpinning the program is our recognition that effective demand management requires the involvement of all participants in the energy value chain.” Warren Centre Executive Director is Chairing several sessions and Integral Energy and Origin Energy will have senior representatives speaking at the forthcoming Australian Energy & Utility Summit on 21st & 22nd July at the Sydney Convention Centre. Richard Powis, CEO, Integral Energy and Julian Turecek, Regulatory Affairs at Origin Energy will be joining an excellent line-up of speakers from Government and industry who will be making presentations on energy market reform, investment requirements, regulatory changes and key issues in generation, production, transmission, distribution, and issues for major energy users. The summit is an opportunity for key energy providers and users to discuss demand management as well as other important policy and regulatory issues vital for the success of Australia’s energy and utility sector. For further detail or to register contact Anthony Sprange at Association and Communications Events on 02 8920 2547 or e-mail: anthonys@acevents.com.au Alternatively view the full program and register online at: www.acevents.com.au/energy2004 The Warren Centre is in the early stages of promoting a project aimed at accelerating the implementation of Energy Self Sufficient practices in high rise buildings. If you have an interest in that field please let us know, click here. |
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Nanotech Resource Book 2004 Innovation Lecture Handbook | |
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22 July
2004
An international forum of sustainable
transport initiatives Click here for more information and to register. Email: ac21@usyd.edu.au
Difficulties with
the above, Venue: Sydney Convention Centre & various Sydney University venues Web: www.usyd.edu.au/ac21 Email: ac21@usyd.edu.au 21st & 22nd July 2004 Australian Energy & Utility Summit 2004 The future of Australia's energy and utility sector Venue: Sydney Convention Centre Click here for more information or Contact Anthony Sprange (02) 9922 5609Email: anthonys@acevents.com.au
"Disruptive Technologies - Risk and Reward" An ATSE workshop Email: Dr John Nutt, ATSE for more info. 23 & 24 September 2004 Engineers Australia - Engineering Leadership Conference 2004 Venue: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Click here for more information on the web or here to request info by Email 27 to 29 September 2004 CHEMECA 2004 Venue: Australian Technology Park, Sydney Click here for more information on the web or here to request info by Email 15 & 16 November 2004 ATSE 2004 Symposium - "Living Longer, Living Better" Venue: Adelaide Hilton Hotel see www.atse.org.au for more details Paula Williamson (03) 9347 0622 or paulaw@atse.org.au | |
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