Date: May 2025

In 2024, Portland General Electric's (PGE) Energy Partner Smart Thermostat (EPST) and Energy Partner On Demand (EPOD) programs achieved unprecedented growth, with the EPST program experiencing a remarkable 260% increase in participation. Despite the challenges of engaging commercial and industrial customers in demand response and programs—where C&I customers constitute less than 2% of DR participants but deliver over 50% of peak demand savings nationwide—PGE has made significant strides in scaling its programs. This session will explore the strategies that fueled these successes in 2024, from innovative customer engagement tactics and connected device integration to addressing barriers specific to the C&I sector. Attendees will gain actionable insights on scaling commercial load management programs, engaging underserved communities, and aligning DR efforts with decarbonization goals, while learning best practices for unlocking the immense potential of C&I customers in DR programs.

Speakers:
Chris Ashley, EnergyHub
Jeff Ihnen, Michaels Energy
Gabriel Kjos, Portland General Electric
Daniel Glatman, Resideo Grid Services