Business
Parks Associates and Carrier Release New Research at DistribuTECH on HVAC and Grid Flexibility
At DistribuTECH, Parks Associates, in partnership with Carrier Global Corporation, today released a new white paper, Demand Response for All: Scaling Capacity & Flexibility, examining how utilities can expand demand response (DR) and time-of-use (TOU) programs by leveraging HVAC systems, behind-the-meter storage, and innovative program design.
About this update from Carrier Global Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":"Study shows how utilities can expand demand response programs amid data center growth and electrification","length":105,"tagName":"p","attribs":{}},{"type":"text","content":"SAN DIEGO, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At DistribuTECH, Parks Associates, in partnership with Carrier Global Corporation, today released a new white paper, Demand Response for All: Scaling Capacity & Flexibility, examining how utilities can expand demand response (DR) and time-of-use (TOU) programs by leveraging HVAC systems, behind-the-meter storage, and innovative program design.","length":389,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The research finds that utilities face mounting pressure from electrification, accelerating data center growth, and aging infrastructure, while also identifying a significant opportunity to expand participation in grid flexibility programs beyond today's limited base.","length":272,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""The findings reinforce what we hear every day from our utility partners. Data centers, industrial growth and electrification are driving unprecedented demand on the grid," said Hakan Yilmaz, President, Carrier Energy & Chief Sustainability Officer, Carrier. "Our battery-enabled HVAC system is designed to help transform the largest household load into a controllable, flexible grid resource when it matters most, delivering value for utilities while maintaining comfort for homeowners."","length":512,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Despite growing awareness, participation in traditional utility programs remains low. Only 19% of U.S. households are enrolled in TOU rate plans, and just 13% participate in demand response programs. Nearly 90% of U.S. homes have heating and cooling systems, making HVAC a universal and scalable residential asset for load flexibility. HVAC systems account for roughly 40% of residential peak load, offering utilities a powerful way to improve reliability, defer infrastructure investments, and reduce customer costs without relying on sustained behavioral change.","length":564,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""Energy prosumers—households with solar, batteries, EVs, or smart panels—represent just 17% of U.S. internet households," said Jennifer Kent, SVP and Principal Analyst, Parks Associates. "High upfront costs, program comp...