Nearly 1.5 Million Commercial Buildings Will Participate in Demand Response Programs by 2018, Forecasts Pike Research

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Commercial buildings have become increasingly sophisticated in their operations with the adoption of new automation technologies and building management systems. As building owners and operators look for ways to better utilize new tools and equipment in order to achieve greater efficiencies, their interest in demand response (DR) programs is also growing. According to a new report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, the number of commercial facilities participating in DR programs worldwide will rise from fewer than 600,000 in 2012 to more than 1.4 million sites by 2018.

“With a huge number of buildings and facilities accounting for a substantial amount of electricity consumption, the commercial sector represents a major underserved market.”

“Although DR programs are offered to a broad range of customers, the commercial sector offers a significant opportunity for growth in the DR market,” says senior research analyst Marianne Hedin. “With a huge number of buildings and facilities accounting for a substantial amount of electricity consumption, the commercial sector represents a major underserved market.”

The increasing use of automated DR (ADR) and open standards-based communications capabilities is enabling utilities, grid operators, and curtailment service providers (CSPs) to not only offer DR to a much broader end user market, but also offer more sophisticated forms of DR programs, such as dynamic pricing and ancillary services, according to the report. The increasing deployment of smart metering installations, which are expected to pick up in the small and medium business (SMB) market segment, will make it considerably easier for businesses and institutions to participate in the economic DR market, where they can take advantage of price-responsive DR programs to obtain reduced rate structures.

The report, “Demand Response for Commercial Buildings”, provides a detailed examination of the growing worldwide market for demand response in the commercial sector. The market opportunity and technology issues for DR in commercial facilities are explored, and market drivers and inhibitors are examined. The report also includes in-depth analyses of regional trends and profiles of 19 key industry players, along with market forecasts for load curtailment and revenue, segmented by region and by segment, through 2018. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Pike Research website.

About Pike Research

Pike Research, which joined Navigant’s global Energy Practice on July 1, 2012, provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Pike Research can be found at www.navigant.com/pikeresearch.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, “Demand Response for Commercial Buildings,” is a summary and reflects Pike Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Pike Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.