FAQs

DERMS stands for Distributed Energy Management Resource System. It is a software solution for owners and operators to aggregate and better manage their Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). It can be used to participate in demand response programs or used to reduce building electricity load during peak events, in turn reducing operating costs.

DERs is the acronym for Distributed Energy Resources. These can be anything from rooftop solar, behind-the-meter batteries, or electric vehicles. DERs can be connected behind-the-meter (at a host site) or in front-of-the-meter (into a local distribution system).

The Peak Power prediction team, including our on-staff meteorologist, continuously monitor multiple data sets to supplement our software predictions, adding an extra layer of redundancy for our customers.

A load threshold is internally set at the beginning of each peak prediction season. The team analyzes the potential for meteorological events on a weekly basis, being cognizant of not only the load threshold and whether or not it will be met/exceeded (resulting in a coincident peak event), but also referencing previous weather analogs via a robust analysis of historical weather patterns (including upper air and surface weather data) that resulted in past peak events. Once the expected peak day arrives, the prediction team continuously monitors real time data such as satellite, radar, airport observations and load trends in order to provide the most accurate peak prediction possible. 

The number of BOMA and LEED points depends on what features you already have in your building (in case of overlap of features you are already doing such as energy monitoring), but our solutions could provide anywhere from 3 to 12 points for your certifications.

An energy storage system (ESS), sometimes referred to as a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) consists of a battery, an inverter, and a controller. The majority of the batteries we deploy are Lithium-Ion due to their high energy density, low maintenance requirements, and strong track record of safety. 

The battery charges at night when electricity is cheapest and cleanest. An intelligent software controller tells the battery when to discharge based on a revenue algorithm specific to the energy load and utility billing structure to maximize savings. During moments of peak electricity demand, for example on the hottest days of the year, the price of electricity can skyrocket due to imbalances in supply and demand. By forecasting these hours and discharging the battery during these very expensive periods of peak demand the ESS can significantly reduce energy costs. 

Energy storage systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity use by charging during periods of low demand, when green electricity production is online. We specifically operate in regions where much of the electricity power comes from non-emitting sources. By intelligently charging and discharging, we reduce our reliance on coal or natural gas plants and improve our environmental footprint by displacing it with clean energy that charged the ESS.  

Yes. The batteries are UL Certified and installed in accordance with local and national Codes and Standards. The batteries are designed with multiple layers of automatic safety shutoff controls and redundant fire suppression designs. To date thousands of Li-Ion systems have been deployed across North America and this number is expected to grow exponentially over the coming years.

The space required for the system is determined by the kWh rating, or capacity of the battery. For example, 4,500 kWh battery would require approximately 800 square feet, roughly the size of a four standard parking spots.  

While the development of energy storage systems sites can take 6–10 months because of the regulatory and permitting environment, the actual construction can be very short, typically around 3 weeks. The construction entails pouring a concrete pad, installing the electrical infrastructure required, delivering the battery, commissioning the site, and energizing the ESS. 

We deployed one of the world’s first demonstrations of bi-directional electric vehicles (EVs) performing grid services within commercial buildings in Ontario. These EVs not only reduce strain on the grid, but also participate in Peak’s multi-asset virtual power plant in Toronto. Peak Power also operates a large fleet of energy storage batteries at commercial and industrial facilities in Ontario, New York, and California. These can potentially act in coordination with electric vehicles to maximize the energy savings and revenue for building owners.