Open Automated Demand Response
Southern California Edison An Edison International Company | Akuacom
Open Automated Demand Response
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Automated Demand Response (Auto-DR) technology is rapidly gaining popularity, and the OpenADR Alliance is setting a worldwide standard in Demand Response automation, connecting homes and businesses with their utilities to make it easy to power down during peak demand or electricity emergencies. Find out if you can benefit from connecting with OpenADR, creating more savings for you, and more reliability for the grid.

Demand Response 101

Demand Response (DR) is action taken to reduce energy use when electricity demand outweighs supply or grid emergencies occur. We offer incentive programs your home or business can participate in, to help ease stress on the grid and prevent short-term energy shortages. You might also consider Automated Demand Response (Auto-DR). With Auto-DR, we typically connect directly to your energy management system (EMS) - a "smart" network that controls and communicates with your equipment — to reduce energy consumption during DR "events," peak-demand pricing, or emergencies. You can help reduce costs, conserve energy, and help keep Southern California's grid reliable.

Open Automated Demand Response (OpenADR)

OpenADR is a worldwide adopted internet messaging protocol used by many utilities to communicate with equipment at customer facilities to automatically drop demand during DR program events.

Here's how it works: We send OpenADR signals to your business' Energy Management System (EMS) through SCE's Demand Response Automation Server (DRAS). To receive OpenADR signals, you must first install and configure an OpenADR "client." This client logs into our DRAS server and maintains an

How OpenADR Works

ongoing connection. Whenever we initiate a DR event, the DRAS server sends the event signal to your installed client. Once the client receives the signal, it implements the response that you have programmed into it.


For more information on OpenADR, visit www.openadr.org

OpenADR Signals

When a DR event occurs, our DRAS server will send a signal to your device, which will then enable your equipment to respond as you've configured them. You can program your equipment to respond automatically when a signal is received.

Register My OpenADR Device

While some OpenADR compliant technologies may be able to communicate directly with the DRAS, most systems require you to first have an EMS or enroll in an energy management service; and second, to purchase and install a qualifying OpenADR device. Once your device is installed, you can register it. We will connect you, and you can configure your preferences. For more information on devices and device registration, installation, costs and more, visit the FAQ below.

Eligible DR Programs

The following DR programs are eligible for OpenADR communications:


Commercial and Industrial


Residential


To learn more, visit the Demand Response page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Demand Response Automation Server (DRAS) and what does it do?
The DRAS server is our system that uses OpenADR technology to communicate a Demand Response event or price signal to an OpenADR device. Once you're connected, you can configure your DRAS account to receive event notifications, adjust shed signals, and enable automated response by your energy management system (EMS).
2. Where do I get OpenADR equipment and services?
If you already have an energy management system (EMS), consulting the vendor that installed or services that equipment can be a good starting point.

Additionally, we can refer you to firms that we use on the Auto-DR programs. These companies have experience working with our DRAS server, and use of OpenADR for DR programs.
3. Does the OpenADR client have to be certified to work?
An OpenADR client should be certified with either OpenADR 2.0a or OpenADR 2.0b. Our system currently supports existing OpenADR 1.0-certified clients, but requires future installations to be OpenADR 2.0 certified. The OpenADR 2.0b profile offers more advanced features, such as the ability to monitor your electricity load in real-time.
4. Who pays for OpenADR equipment and installation?
It is your responsibility to purchase and install your OpenADR equipment; however, you may be eligible for incentives for non-residential customers through our Auto-DR program. You'll need to enroll in a price-responsive program to be eligible for incentives.
5. How much will it cost to install OpenADR equipment?
Costs can vary. We recommend that you engage a third-party engineering or consulting firm to assess your home or business needs, budget, and operational requirements.

A basic OpenADR device typically costs between $3,000 to $5,000 for hardware and installation. More advanced systems that include functionality for near real-time electricity load monitoring or programmed load reductions are likely to be more expensive.
6. Does SCE provide or install OpenADR equipment, services, or customer support?
We do not provide or install OpenADR equipment or services; however, if you participate in the Auto-DR program, we can provide financial incentives and connect you with technical coordinators who can assist with equipment selection and configuration.

Many utilities are adopting OpenADR, and our intention is to make this new technology available to our customers who will find it appropriate for their needs. For that reason, we provide OpenADR connectivity and DRAS accounts as an optional courtesy notification. Due to California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) cost-effectiveness requirements, we cannot provide financial or technical support for customers that use OpenADR outside of the Auto-DR program.
7. How can I get started once I have installed my equipment?
If you have already got your equipment installed, you can use our online form to register your device and apply to connect to our DRAS server. You can also contact your Account Representative or the Auto-DR Help Desk at 866-238-3605 or email us for more information on setting up a DRAS account.
8. How many service accounts can I control with an OpenADR client?
We recommend one OpenADR client per service account. For more information, please contact the Auto-DR Help Desk at 866-238-3605 or email us for more information on setting up a DRAS account.
9. Can I monitor my electrical load in real-time?
OpenADR clients that are version 2.0b-certified are equipped to upload electrical load data in near real-time to your DRAS account, and display current load as well as a historical graph.
10. What if my OpenADR client fails or malfunctions during an event?
OpenADR is a courtesy notification. Customers should understand that we cannot be held liable if equipment does not perform as expected. Please refer to the tariff of each DR program to understand compliance requirements and the means of event notification that we will use for billing purposes.

There are several ways to implement this functionality. For example, you can ask us to install equipment that translates the meter's output into a signal that your OpenADR client can interpret. You can also purchase a more complex OpenADR client with this functionality and hardware built in.

As this is an advanced feature, we suggest engaging a third-party consultant or technical coordinator to assess your needs and design the appropriate solution.
11. What are the terms and conditions for use of the DRAS?
By logging in to the SCE Demand Response Automation Server website, you acknowledge and agree that your account(s) is/are Auto Demand Response enabled and you understand this account(s) will automatically participate in the events for enrolled demand response (DR) programs, unless you invoke an Auto-DR opt-out option. You also understand that you are responsible for making sure your system responds to the DRAS signal, for the correct configuration to the DR program(s) in which you are enrolled, and for any programmed load reduction sequence. You understand that irrespective of a signal from the DRAS, you are responsible for participation in DR events.

You acknowledge and agree that SCE is not liable, and hereby waive any and all claims against SCE for any claims, demands, losses, damages, costs, expenses, or liability arising out of the initiation and performance of Auto-DR equipment enablement, however caused, whether active or passive.
12. How do I register my OpenADR device?
Prior to registering your device to connect to the DRAS system, please ensure to have the following information readily available:

  • Customer Name
  • Customer Address
  • Service Account Number
  • Phone Number
  • Client Manufacturer
  • Device Model Version
  • Device OpenADR Version

Then visit the following register link to fill out the application.