Research & Analysis

Taxonomy

An Industrial Load Flexibility Taxonomy is being developed to serve as the structural foundation for the project, and the load flexibility space more broadly, by establishing a common language for all stakeholders. Through an iterative process involving literature reviews and stakeholder input, the team is developing a comprehensive set of classifications for industrial subsectors, processes, and grid services. This standardized framework will enable consistent dialogue across the industry and inform subsequent research tasks, helping to move the industrial sector away from fragmented, bespoke solutions toward a unified national capability.

Data Analysis & Setting National Load Flexibility Targets

By quantifying the significant untapped potential for industrial load flexibility nationwide, we will mobilize the industry toward common goals. This segment of the REFLEX work involves a four-part process: curating high-quality energy data, modeling state-level electricity demand, estimating load flexibility potential, and establishing national targets. These efforts will culminate in the development of granular demand datasets and reports to help utilities and other stakeholders understand the propensity for adoption across selected industrial segments, providing a data-driven resource for future expansion of load flexibility-enabling tools, processes, and programs. 

Value Proposition Guidance

To motivate widespread industry action, a strong value proposition is key. Offering value  proposition guidance will equip stakeholders to develop a compelling business case for investing in load flexibility. We are conducting a literature review and interviewing stakeholders to analyze the financial and non-financial benefits of load flexibility—such as utility bill reductions and improved operational efficiency—while considering internal decision-making factors like return on investment (ROI) thresholds and risk tolerance. The research will result in owner-facing guidance or a simple tool to help industrial facilities navigate the complexities of articulating a value proposition for load flexibility to secure internal buy-in for investment/implementation. 

Utility Rates & Programs Typology

Utility rates and programs vary regionally but some have characteristics that may incentivize industrial load flexibility. We’re conducting essential research to inform public utility commissions, state energy offices, and utilities on emerging best practices for promoting load flexibility through rates and programs. We will develop detailed typologies of industrial rate designs—such as interruptible service and demand charge structures—to help align utility planning with the unique operational constraints of industrial customers to improve program participation and grid reliability. 

Load Flexibility Technology Packages

To enable (and in some cases, modernize) industrial grid interactivity, we will systematically assess the control and communication technologies needed to achieve load flexibility. We are conducting extensive market reviews of industrial automation, analytical software packages, and load flexibility communication protocols & hardware to identify high-potential technology packages. By interviewing key stakeholders and documenting implementation pathways, we will provide guidance on promising architectures and protocols that enable load flexibility in industrial processes. 

Load Flexibility Implementation Tool

Recognizing that the transition to load flexibility can be complex, we are developing a specialized framework and/or tool to guide industrial end users through every stage of the load flexibility implementation process. The team will work with stakeholders to define functional requirements for a planning tool that covers everything from establishing the initial business case to implementing full operational integration. Once finalized, this tool will provide users with a clear guide, technical specifications, and a curated journey through existing REFLEX resources that will help remove barriers to successful load flexibility implementation.