"Demand response refers to changes in electricity usage based on capacity, price or reliability signals from the electric grid," explains Brendan Young, director of sales and business development at Johnson Controls Africa. Critical to this market is the ability of building owners to reduce their energy consumption by managing how much energy their buildings consume and when that energy is consumed.
The recent acquisition of EnergyConnect Group, Inc., a leading provider of smart grid, services and technologies, enhances the Johnson Controls building efficiency position as a demand response leader in the large commercial, industrial and institutional markets. Johnson Controls helps customers reduce energy and operational costs by providing building management solutions. The additional products and services from EnergyConnect broaden Johnson Controls' portfolio of energy solutions offerings.
"With the acquisition of EnergyConnect, Johnson Controls now combines the power of building automation systems with an intuitive technology platform that allows customers to capture demand response opportunities," says Young. "This creates a new level of building intelligence."
EnergyConnect's demand response technology and service platform provides energy managers and facility operators with real-time information and access to energy markets, enabling them to manage energy usage. EnergyConnect's GridConnect technology platform features a scalable, cost-effective, clean technology to enhance the grid's efficiency and reliability.
