Residential Power Satisfaction as a Demand Side Management Approach in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's electrical infrastructure powers over three million residents, yet energy consumption overcomes generation and continues to rise. This imbalance results in an unreliable power supply and frequent blackouts across the island. One solution to this issue is to increase generation capacity by adding new generating units and enhancing transmission networks, though this is expensive. Another approach is to promote the adoption of rooftop solar generation with storage systems through microgrids. Alternatively, demand-side management (DSM) offers a more cost-effective solution by regulating demand and reducing energy use at the consumer level. This paper explores the unique integration of power satisfaction within DSM strategies to reduce energy consumption while preserving user satisfaction. Utilizing an agent-based model to simulate household appliance behavior, we demonstrate how power satisfaction can reduce energy demand. This innovative approach offers a promising pathway toward a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Puerto Rico.