The Demand Response Capacity Factor Estimator calculates how intensively a demand response portfolio is used relative to the energy it could theoretically deliver at full committed capacity for every hour in the selected period. It divides measured or forecast delivered energy by capacity multiplied by period hours.
This normalized percentage helps compare portfolios of different sizes and reporting periods. For demand response, the result is best interpreted as an annual utilization factor because dispatch occurs only during events; it is not the same as event performance or settlement accuracy.
Use measured or forecast MWh for the same reporting period as the hours input.
Use the MW capacity available for dispatch during that period.
Use 8,760 for a standard year, 8,784 for a leap year, or the exact hours for a shorter period.
A higher value means more energy was delivered relative to the theoretical maximum.
Capacity and energy must use compatible MW and MWh units. The denominator assumes full output for every hour in the reporting period.
The percentage expresses delivered energy as a share of the theoretical full-capacity energy for the period.
For event-driven resources, a low annual value can be normal even when event performance is strong.
Given: 35,000 MWh delivered, 25 MW committed capacity, and 8,760 hours.
Calculation: Maximum energy = 25 × 8,760 = 219,000 MWh. Capacity factor = 35,000 ÷ 219,000 × 100 = 15.98%.
Result: The estimated capacity factor is 15.98%.
Use any period as long as delivered energy and hours cover exactly the same dates. Annual comparisons are usually easier to interpret.
Demand response is typically called only for limited events. Its annual utilization can therefore be low even when it performs well during dispatched hours.
A result above 100% usually indicates inconsistent units, energy from a larger capacity than entered, or an incorrect hour count.
No. Availability measures whether capacity can respond when needed; capacity factor measures energy delivered relative to continuous full output.
Yes, when the same definition of committed capacity and reporting period is used. The normalized percentage removes the direct effect of portfolio size.