Download Free (.pdf)Demand Response
Unlock new battery revenue by supporting grid reliability during peak events
Turn distributed energy storage into a high-value grid asset with Energy Toolbase. We help you model, enroll, and optimize participation in California’s DSGS program, so you can generate new revenue streams while strengthening grid resilience. DSGS events are triggered during extreme grid stress conditions, such as heatwaves or supply shortages, helping California avoid blackouts.
Location:
Utility:
Program Timeline
for enrollment to be effective on the first calendar day of that month.
Program Start
May 1 - Oct 31
Deadline
Apr 24 deadline for May 1 start.
Receive Revenue
Energy Toolbase sends revenue generated.
Program Overview
- Program Period
May 1 – October 31
- Events
- Notifications
Day ahead or same day events
- Participants
Commercial, industrial, aggregators, and DER portfolios
- Payment
Performance-based payment structure, and the exact payout depends on which participation option you’re enrolled in.
How DSGS Works
1. Let Energy Toolbase enroll you
Let Energy Toolbase enroll you through a DSGS provider. Participants typically join through an approved virtual power plant provider.
2. Load reduction or battery capacity
3. Respond to grid events dynamically
4. Earn performance-based incentives
Earn performance-based incentives. Payments are based on actual performance during events and committed capacity.
ETB Developer + ETB Controller
All In One Solution
for Grid Services
Energy Toolbase enables the modeling, enrollment, participation, and revenue distribution for customers. Our ETB Controller can receive day-ahead notifications, optimize and dispatch energy storage assets, send performance data, and ensure customers get paid for energy generated.
Seamless DSGS Participation with Energy Toolbase
DSGS program participation is complex, but it doesn’t have to be. We eliminate these burdens with a turnkey solution. Our platform handles everything—from enrollment and compliance reporting to asset optimization and revenue distribution – so you don’t have to. Let Energy Toolbase take care of the complexities so you can focus on your business and let your system work smarter for you.
How ELRP Participation Works
Step 1
Model DSGS Revenue
Use ETB Developer to simulate DSGS incentive payments and performance revenue, optimize battery sizing and dispatch strategies, and forecast financial outcomes.
Step 2
Automate Dispatch with ETB Controller
Maximize performance with automated battery dispatch during DSGS events, intelligent charge/discharge optimization, and reliable event response to capture full incentives.
Step 3
Easily Schedule & Respond to Events
Auto-accept commands from program aggregators or issue dynamic fleet-wide commands manually.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in DSGS?
DSGS is open to commercial and industrial customers, energy storage owners, and aggregated portfolios across California. Most participants enroll through an approved demand response provider or virtual power plant (VPP) operator.
How do participants earn revenue through DSGS?
DSGS is a performance-based program, meaning participants are paid based on the amount of energy they reduce or export during events. The more reliable and consistent your performance, the greater your potential earnings.
Do I need a battery to participate in DSGS?
No, but battery energy storage systems significantly improve participation. Batteries provide fast, reliable, and automated response during events, helping maximize performance and revenue without impacting operations.
Can DSGS be combined with other programs or savings strategies?
Yes. DSGS can often be stacked with other value streams such as demand charge management, time-of-use optimization, and additional grid services, especially when paired with energy storage.
Will participating in DSGS disrupt my operations?
Not if properly designed. With intelligent controls and energy storage, facilities can meet DSGS commitments without impacting normal business operations.
Ready to unlock more energy storage
revenue with demand response programs?
Ask a team member how Energy Toolbase can specifically help you.