Demand-side management

Power utilities worldwide are under mounting pressure to ensure that power system development is environmentally friendly. Demand-side management (DSM) programme is viewed as the least-cost energy resource when both environmental costs and welfare needs are taken into account. It is a utility financed programme for total energy savings approach to reducing peak and base loads. It introduces a new element into the planning framework by allowing for a deliberate intervention by the power utility in the market place to influence customer use of electricity in order to alter the system load shape. It encompasses the planning, evaluation, implementation and monitoring of programmes selected from a wide range of technology and marketing alternatives. The success of each alternative depends on the marketing activities to promote customer participation. This paper outlines projects being undertaken as part of plans to develop and implement appropriate DSM programmes in Peninsular Malaysia. Although various DSM programmes are widely implemented in many developed countries, their adaptation to Malaysia must first be evaluated to ensure their techno-economic viability and customer acceptance for ultimate success. The development of this and related projects is outlined.<>