Constellation NewEnergy announces demand response offerings for Ontario

As a member of the Ontario Power Authority's (OPA) DR3 Program, Constellation NewEnergy has agreed to provide 25 MW of demand response capacity, to reduce energy use during times of peak demand.

The OPA will compensate Constellation NewEnergy's customers who curtail energy use by shedding load or turning to on-site generation for a specific period of time when called upon. Once enrolled, participants earn a recurring availability payment for committing to the program, as well as an energy utilization payment for actually reducing load.

"Enrolling in a demand response program is a smart business decision that delivers an immediate return on investment," said Peter Kelly-Detwiler, senior vice president for Constellation NewEnergy. "The benefits of participating in the OPA DR3 program are twofold: alleviating pressure on the grid and providing revenue that customers may choose to invest in additional energy efficiency and environmental programs."

Ontario is the first Province in Canada to begin implementation of a demand response program designed to reduce stress on the electricity grid and to help prevent blackouts. Already offering demand response products to customers in the United States, Constellation NewEnergy is well-positioned to provide both seasoned expertise and comprehensive demand response products to Ontario's emerging market.

"We are pleased to see Constellation NewEnergy, a provider of energy services to wholesale, commercial and industrial customers, offering new products and services to the Ontario electric market," said Paul Shervill, vice president Conservation and Sector Development of the OPA. "We look forward to working with Constellation NewEnergy to provide Ontario-based customers additional opportunities to manage their energy costs while helping to reduce electricity demand when supplies are tight."