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Demand Response

Resilient Mesa Power Solutions in Action in Texas.

Resilient Power Solutions for Critical Infrastructure: Leveraging Natural Gas Generators

November 1, 2023

The world is rapidly changing, and maintaining a reliable power supply is paramount, especially for critical infrastructure systems such as hospitals, data centers, and emergency services. Disruptions to the electrical grid can have catastrophic consequences, making it imperative to invest in resilient power solutions. One technology that has proven its worth in ensuring uninterrupted power is natural gas generators. In this article, we will explore how natural gas generators offer a viable and efficient solution for critical infrastructure, focusing on their reliability, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness. Reliability When it comes to critical infrastructure, reliability is non-negotiable. Natural gas generators have established themselves as a reliable power source, offering consistent performance even during times of grid outages or extreme weather conditions. Unlike renewable energy sources that rely on weather conditions, natural gas generators provide continuous power, making them a steadfast choice for critical systems that demand an uninterrupted electricity supply. These generators are designed with advanced technology and sophisticated control systems that ensure seamless operations. They can automatically detect power failures and swiftly transition to generator power, minimizing downtime and preventing

ISO and RTO in Deregulated Markets image with little house and lighting bolt.

Unveiling ISO and RTO: Powering Efficient Grids and Deregulated Markets

August 24, 2023

In the intricate landscape of the modern electricity industry, Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) stand as vital guardians of grid stability and catalysts for efficient power markets. As electricity consumption continues to surge and the integration of renewable energy sources becomes paramount, understanding the roles, qualities, and differences between ISOs and RTOs becomes crucial. Moreover, exploring the benefits of a deregulated market, shaped in part by these entities, sheds light on the transformation of the power sector. The Role and Qualities of ISOs and RTOs: ISOs and RTOs are specialized entities responsible for managing, coordinating, and optimizing the transmission and distribution of electricity across defined geographic regions. Their primary aim is to ensure the reliable, safe, and efficient operation of the electric grid. By overseeing power generation, transmission, and consumption, ISOs and RTOs mitigate the risk of blackouts, improve power flow, and pave the way for the integration of diverse energy sources. Key Qualities of ISOs and RTOs: Grid Reliability ISOs and RTOs prioritize grid reliability by constantly monitoring and managing the electricity system. They balance

Utility Transmission Lines with the sky.

Deregulated Markets vs. Regulated Markets: Illuminating the Electrical Landscape

August 17, 2023

Electricity flows through the modern world, driven by a fundamental question at the heart of this intricate system: Should electricity markets be regulated or deregulated? This question shapes how we produce, distribute, and price energy, forming a central debate in the electrical landscape. In this blog post, we’ll investigate the dynamic interplay between regulated and deregulated markets, exploring their advantages, and challenges. By illuminating these key aspects, we aim to offer a comprehensive overview of this pivotal choice that underpins the electricity grid’s operation. Previously, we looked at a basic overview of how the electric grid works in this blog post.  Below, we’ll dive into the question about market regulation. Deregulated Markets: Fostering Competition and Innovation In deregulated markets, consumers gain the freedom to select their energy suppliers. This competition spurs innovation, fosters cleaner energy solutions, and offers competitive pricing to attract and retain customers. No longer confined to a one-size-fits-all model, consumers can now choose energy plans aligning with their preferences—whether those preferences involve renewable sources, fixed rates, or tailored services. Market Competition: Deregulated markets empower consumers with the freedom

Graphic of a possible set up of a microgrid with a Microgrid Controller

Microgrid Controllers: Functions and Benefits

May 18, 2023

As interest in power reliability and renewable energy management continues to grow, the subject of “microgrids” continues to gain consideration. It’s also important to understand how microgrid controllers play a role in this space. Microgrids are decentralized power systems that consist of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and conventional generators. Microgrid controllers are systems that enable the effective coordination of microgrid components such as renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and loads. Microgrid controllers play an important role in managing the distribution of energy within a microgrid by ensuring optimal use of available resources, minimizing energy losses, and reducing operating costs. Below, we will explore the functions of microgrid controllers and the benefits they offer. Functions of Microgrid Controllers Microgrid controllers are designed to enable effective coordination of microgrid components, and they do this by performing several functions. One of the primary functions of a microgrid controller is to manage the distribution of energy within the microgrid. The controller ensures that the available energy resources are used optimally and that energy losses are

problems microgrids can solve, photo of microgrid set up.

Three Problems Microgrids Can Solve

September 30, 2022

Utilities face a variety of challenges in today’s business and technical environment.  While customers want lower prices, they also want greater reliability in general, and greater resilience at their specific location.  A utility leader recently characterized the customer side of the equation, saying “It used to be that customers could occasionally cope with going 48 hours without power.  Now, as soon as their cell phone battery goes dead, it’s a crisis for them.”  Large, corporate solutions to these issues are expensive and don’t always solve the problem right to the customer’s door.  On the other hand, microgrids and distributed power generation, can solve these problems and can do so comprehensively. Below are three problems that microgrids and distributed generation can solve. Problem #1: Low Power Generation from Utility Grid Historically, when a utility system became capacity “constrained,” the solution was to build bigger central station generators.  These installations were difficult to build in the past and even more so now. This is partly due to the risk of recovering such large investments in a constantly changing regulatory environment, and partly

Digital electrical meters lined up in rows and columns.

Choosing Demand Response Programs

September 23, 2022

Demand response programs offer many utility consumers a great way to lower their electric utility bills by reducing the demand component (kilowatts) of monthly costs. There are a variety of ways to achieve this improvement, and those ways continue to evolve. The questions below show a logical path you can follow to find out which programs work best for you. 1. What is the electric load profile of the location? It is important to understand the electric load profile of the location in question. For example, is the daily load pattern a slow up and down curve throughout the day, like residential loads? Or is the load relatively flat and stable during non-working hours, but then steps up to a higher level when, for example, employees arrive? The type of demand programs that have the most impact will highly depend on these patterns. 2. What demand programs are offered by the serving utility? The next big step is to evaluate the demand programs offered by the serving utility. Many utility companies offer programs in which customers “enroll” to regularly shift

crypto mining background graphic.

Minimizing the Energy Cost of Your Crypto Mining Operations

June 29, 2022

Cryptocurrency is taking the world by storm—and whether you are skeptical of it or spending your kid’s college fund for more, there is no denying a new crypto-industry that is surpassing a $2 trillion market cap and can consume over $100 worth in electricity per transaction— including your Papa John’s pizza order. The purpose of this blog is to briefly summarize some of the recent data on minimizing the cost of mining for cryptocurrency and specifically highlight methods to reduce the energy cost of your crypto mining operations. The nature of cryptocurrency mining requires electricity, and often a significant amount. Accessing cheaper electricity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of virtual mining. As we are coming from the perspective of power generation technology, the simple assumption that crypto mining requires electricity tells us that the cheaper electricity we can provide, the cheaper we can make mining for our customers. With this in mind, our research in this paper has focused on the specific power needs of virtual mining and how miners can reduce their electrical bills.

Photo showing a city with a river nearby.

Implementing a Microgrid for Demand Response

June 10, 2022

With increasing power outages and electricity rate volatility, you know you need backup power. You also know you need to offset the associated costs of your backup power and microgrid through your local utility-sponsored demand response programs. So, what’s next? Continue reading to learn the steps we walk our clients through for microgrid and demand response program implementation. Choosing the right demand response program Evaluate Site Load A site load energy audit will be one of the first steps toward implementing a microgrid for demand response. Determining load profile, peak demand, and identifying critical loads are essential first steps in installing the most efficient assets on site for a given load. Evaluating a site load requires looking at utility data over as long a relevant time span as possible. Many commercial businesses rely on a preferred demand response partner/asset manager like Mesa Solutions to help with their energy audit, analysis, and recommendations for a turnkey Resiliency-as-a-Service Program offering. Asset Management Strategy Most local utilities offer a variety of demand response programs. Not all may be the right fit for your

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