Frequently Asked Questions

What is load flexibility?

Load flexibility, also known as demand flexibility, is defined as the ability of customers to optimize the timing and utilization of electricity to benefit both them and the electric grid. Customers use load flexibility to shift electricity usage (or load) from peak periods to off-peak periods, to reduce utility bills (demand charges, time-of-use, or real-time pricing), gain financial benefits from participating in load flexibility programs, or meet interconnection requirements (or other contractual agreements regarding available grid capacity). Load flexibility is a promising yet under-leveraged solution to maintain grid reliability, energy security, and affordability. It can be achieved through process equipment controls and changes or the installation of onsite energy generation and/or storage systems. 

What types of industrial load flexibility tools and strategies will be covered under REFLEX?

REFLEX will explore the landscape of load flexibility-enabling (shed/shift) technologies and software tools, and partner with several organizations to demonstrate processes and technologies to identify opportunities and challenges of implementing load flexibility. Technologies can include process equipment controls, non-process electrical loads, onsite generation, and thermal/battery storage.

What industrial sectors are within scope of REFLEX?

All industrial sub-sectors, including data centers. Planned demonstrations are currently targeted at data centers, water treatment facilities, food distribution, and general process heating applications.

Who should join the Program Stakeholder Advisory Group (PSAG)?

All industrial load flexibility stakeholders are represented in the PSAG, including: utilities, industrial end users, technology developers, aggregators, state planning bodies, and researchers. Participants will collaborate to ensure program capabilities remain grounded in real-world needs. 

Why should I join the Program Stakeholder Advisory Group (PSAG)?

Benefits of joining include:

  • Early Access: Preview emerging tools, data sets, and best practice guides before they are released to the wider public.
  • Direct Support: A pathway to request specific data analysis or support from the project team.
  • Networking: Opportunities to connect with the national ecosystem of stakeholders, including major utilities and technology providers.