Equitable Supply-Demand Balancing in Power Grids: Fair Incentive Design for Demand Response
Professor Senay Solak
John F. Smith Memorial Professor and Department Chair
Isenberg School of Management
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Demand response programs are designed to shift electricity usage from peak to off-peak periods, typically through pricing strategies or financial incentives, to better align supply and demand. In this study, we explore equitable incentivization policies within these programs by accounting for the diverse characteristics of various demographic groups. We model the trade-offs between efficiency and equity in these policies and propose mechanisms that maintain efficiency while promoting social equity across different customer profiles. The findings offer utility companies actionable insights for refining their demand response strategies, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and fair energy management system.