Objective: Ensure that GEB technology, building performance, and customer cost-benefit data are easily accessible, and improve and standardize analytical methods.GEB field performance assessments and metrics are needed to enable grid operators to trust the ability of demand flexibility to reliably deliver grid services. This includes developing and evaluating the use of standard baseline M&V methods to measure demand flexibility, as well as and collecting field data on demand flexibility building performance. Also, building owners and operators are unwilling to invest in technology without a clear value proposition based on proven technology benefits. Demand flexibility benchmark data sets, load shapes, and metrics are needed across all building sectors to provide relevant, comprehensive data for GEB technology performance evaluation. To draw meaningful conclusions from the data that can be relied upon by grid operators, utilities, and customers, there is a need for statistically significant data sets at scale and across different dimensions of building type and time (e.g., hourly, daily, annually). Key implementation challenges include managing privacy and cybersecurity with widespread data accessibility.Users may have privacy or security concerns related to the transmission and storage of whole-building and specific end-use equipment and system data. Utilities, aggregators, technology providers, and DER service providers may also worry about liability related to sharing customer data.Additionally, providing granular data would require robust data storage systems. Technology providers must carefully balance these concerns with the need to provide easy access to data for customers, grid operators, aggregators, and performance evaluators. A challenge specifically related to analytical methods is establishing appropriate baselines, particularly with multiple programs and rate designs, and when demand flexibility is used routinely.
Key ActionsDevelop standard metrics and methods for data collection, data analysis, and measurement and verification (M&V) of demand flexibility technologies and strategies. M&V methods for EE and DR have been developed for many years and are evolving toward increased use of automation and hourly meter data (e.g., "advanced M&V" or "M&V 2.0" with and without control groups). Similarly, hourly data, and in some cases sub-hourly data, and advanced telemetry are needed for demand flexibility market settlement. These metrics along with new and scalable evaluation methods must also be developed for the full complement of grid services that buildings can provide. Simplified approaches are needed for demand flexibility performance assessments at the whole building and system/equipment level and for multiple demand flexibility modes (e.g., shed and shift in combination).
landmark Expand EE benchmark dataset and benchmarking tools to incorporate demand flexibility. There is a long practice of collecting total energy use normalized by floor area to compare the energy performance of buildings...