Demand response changes when or how much electricity a participating device or facility uses. A signal may encourage loads to reduce, delay, increase, or shift consumption depending on available generation and grid constraints.
Flexible computing workloads, batteries, vehicles, and industrial equipment can participate when their operational limits allow it. The approach can use spare capacity and reduce peaks, but it must preserve safety, service requirements, user consent, and reliable measurement.
ELI5
Demand response is a way to move electricity use to a better time. It is like waiting to run a dishwasher until the grid is less busy, except the decision can be coordinated automatically for many devices.
For example, a flexible computing job could pause during a period of tight electricity supply and resume when more power is available. The job still needs rules so important work is not delayed unsafely.
