Virtual Working Group

Wed December 10th, 2025 | 10-11 am MT

From Variable to Viable: Making Smart Thermostat DR Predictable

Smart thermostat demand response (DR) programs have significant load shift potential, but due to their variability have not been relied upon as a trusted grid resource. AI has changed that. Through innovative data science modeling, Uplight’s Predictive Capacity Dispatch (PCD) technology sequences thermostat activations across multiple dispatch waves to deliver flat, consistent load curves with 98% day-ahead forecast accuracy–improving hour-to-hour performance variance as well as the customer experience.

Participants will learn:

• What makes smart thermostats (and other distributed energy assets) inherently variable
• What is included in the Predictive Capacity Dispatch model
• How utilities are using PCD to make DR a dependable resource 
• How PCD can reduce customer opt-outs, even when running more frequent events

Featured Speakers