Presentation Title:
Enhancing Peak Load Management and Grid Resiliency: Success of the Demand Response Program at King County’s South Plant
Track A: Mastering Energy Management
Session A3: Cutting Costs with Data
Day 2 - March 12, 2026Â 2:30 pm
Speaker(s):
Abstract:
| King County’s South Plant, a critical wastewater treatment facility operating 24/7 to process approximately 60 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater, has successfully implemented a demand response (DR) program to enhance energy efficiency and grid stability. This initiative, leveraging the plant’s co-generation facility, reduced peak energy consumption by up to 6 MW during critical periods, providing a cost-effective alternative to increasing power generation capacity. The DR program was facilitated through dynamic load adjustments during peak demand, with immediate notifications, manual or automated curtailment, and prompt restoration of normal operations. These measures align operational reliability with energy savings, earning incentives of up to $350,000 biannually, while maintaining critical plant functions. The program demonstrated flexibility to respond to late afternoon summer peaks and early morning winter demands, offering $25/KW incentives with additional bonuses for exceeding curtailment targets. This case study showcases the economic and environmental benefits of industrial facilities’ participation in DR programs. The South Plant’s success underscores the potential for wastewater facilities to play a pivotal role in demand-side energy management, creating a model for collaborative sustainability efforts between energy providers and large-scale consumers. |