Spara RTP Control allows users to benefit from real-time and day-ahead pricing rates by automatically adjusting power usage based on the price of electricity. Using Spara's embedded pricing configurations users define different curtailment strategies to be implemented when the price reaches specific thresholds. When prices are low the user may opt for no or minimal reduction of loads, or perhaps even increase operations to take advantage of cheaper energy. However, as prices rise curtailment may become more aggressive. 

Protect processes and building comfort while gaining efficiencies

Understanding shifting prices allows users to make strategic changes to operations that improve efficiencies around-the-clock. Because thresholds and the actions associated with them can be changed at any time users can do sophisticated modeling to determine the most optimum responses. Once analysis is complete the system automatically implements the desired actions creating a comprehensive, end-to-end energy management solution.

Production and building comfort are protected because curtailment activities are pre-defined by the user and tightly controlled by the system. This would be virtually impossible to do manually with prices changing by the hour, minute, or even second.

Utilizing OpenADR for reliable communications, even in unreliable times

Spara RTP Control addresses the problems created by a lack of communication standards among energy providers. Currently there is no common protocol for utilities and ISOs to communicate pricing to their customers. Most often, this information is presented via a website, which is subject to change. Customers could retrieve this information by having someone continuously monitor the site, but this is impractical. Automated communication is a better solution.

With Spara RTP Control, the real-time pricing server utilizes OpenADR, which communicates dynamic pricing and reliability signals in a standardized format between service providers and energy management systems located at the end user’s facility. That newly standardized output is then integrated into the Spara automated control structure. Even if communication is interrupted it will be detected by the system and corrected before it results in a missed savings opportunity or a high price spike.

To learn more about OpenADR, please download the Open Automated DR Communications Specification Overview (PPT).