Grid-Interactive Building Flexibility Index

Estimate how much of a building’s monthly consumption can be flexed through dispatchable shedding and daily load shifting, adjusted for automation readiness.

Total electricity consumed during a typical month before flexibility actions.
Average curtailable demand that can be dropped during demand response events.
Length of each demand response or load shed call.
Defaults to 4. Number of DR or flexibility events expected in the month.
Defaults to 0. Energy that can be shifted to off-peak hours each day.
Defaults to 100%. Use to de-rate potential when control systems are not fully deployed.

Validate flexibility potential with commissioning studies or load shape analytics before bidding into grid programs.

Examples

  • 1.2M kWh baseline, 4 MW shed for 3 h across 6 events, 8 MWh/day shiftable, 85% readiness ⇒ 22.10% index
  • 650,000 kWh baseline, 1.5 MW shed for 2 h across 4 events, no shifting ⇒ 1.85% index

FAQ

How should I estimate dispatch events per month?

Use historical event cadence from utilities or grid operators. For new programs, align with contractual maximum dispatch frequency.

What if shiftable load varies seasonally?

Adjust the shiftable load input to represent the month under study, or run the calculator for multiple months to create a seasonal profile.

Why include automation readiness?

Control system availability, commissioning status, and operator training often reduce achievable flexibility. Applying a readiness factor prevents over-reporting.

Does the index cap at 100%?

Yes—the formula naturally approaches 100% when flexible energy equals baseline consumption. Values above 100% indicate inconsistent inputs that should be reviewed.

Additional Information

  • Dispatchable shed capacity multiplied by duration and event count captures traditional demand response capability.
  • Shiftable load represents daily operational adjustments such as precooling or thermal storage charging.
  • Automation readiness de-rates theoretical potential when control systems or staffing limit deployment.

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