Electricity Markets: Actions Needed to Expand GSA and DOD Participation in Demand-Response Activities
Abstract
As electricity demand varies throughout the day and year, operators of the electricity grid respond by continually increasing or decreasing the amount of electricity that they call upon power plants to generate. Some grid operators and other entities offer demand-response programs, which provide customers with financial incentives to reduce their electricity use during periods of peak demand. Consumers, including GSA and DOD--among the federal government's largest electricity users--may enroll in these programs. GAO was asked to examine GSA and DOD demand-response activities. This report examines: (1) steps these agencies have taken to facilitate their sites' participation; (2) the extent to which these agencies have participated in and benefitted from demand-response activities; and (3) challenges these agencies' sites face participating in these activities. GAO examined agency documents and data on participation and benefits, surveyed GSA regions and 20 selected DOD installations, and conducted interviews with officials. GAO recommends, among other things, that GSA and DOD consistently track and assess participation in demand-response programs, and DOD establish guidance encouraging participation and ask Congress to provide it with authority similar to GSA, allowing use of payments without further appropriation. GSA and DOD generally agreed with GAO's recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA608716
Entities
People
- Frank W. Rusco
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office