This field study is evaluating the potential and current DR capabilities of climate-appropriate air-conditioning (AC) systems, such as evaporative cooling and variable capacity heat pump systems. Targeted DR and EE programs can help reduce high peak demand caused by increased AC use and address uncertainties with respect to generation and consumption caused by extreme weather conditions. This field study will analyze how automated and optimized DR technology can build and implement accurate relationships between DR lead time, customer incentives, DR duration, external environmental conditions, and building occupancy by understanding a building’s HVAC capacity and thermal characteristics.