General Mills joins EnerNOC network

EnerNOC Inc., a Boston company that remotely manages and reduces energy consumption for power grid operators, said that it will add a General Mills Inc. plant in West Chicago to its demand-response network.

EnerNOC uses technology to automate the so-called demand response process for electricity utilities by signing up commercial and industrial companies to programs that reward the companies for conserving energy; during peak demand periods, such as hot summer days, EnerNOC uses its technology to remotely curtail the electricity consumption of companies that have signed onto the program as a way to lower the likelihood of brownouts and outages.

Consumer foods company General Mills is known for such brands as Cheerios (right), Yoplait, Betty Crocker and Häagen-Dazs.

EnerNOC said in a press release: "As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts and practices, General Mills has agreed to work with EnerNOC to help prevent brownouts and blackouts in the West Chicago area by reducing demand on the electricity grid by as much as five megawatts – the equivalent of roughly 2,500 households – when called upon by EnerNOC. In exchange, EnerNOC rewards General Mills with periodic payments."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)