Giuseppe Mauri*, Alex Baith**, Angela Chuang*** , Christine Schwaegerl**** CIRED 2007-19th International Conference and Exhibition on ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION Vienna, 21-24 Maggio 2007 * CESI RICERCA ** BES *** EPRI **** SIEMENS PTD- In many regions around the world, the electric power system is becoming over-stressed. Peak demand is approaching generation system capacity, boosting electricity costs and increasing the risk of supply shortages in regions of North America, Europe, and Australia. Moreover, permits required to build new transmission and distribution assets are increasingly difficult to obtain. These issues have contributed to a renewed interest in improving efficiency of electricity utilization and reliability of service within the existing power system infrastructure. Many utilities and system operators are addressing these goals by providing customers with demand-side programs. Inconsistencies in demand-side terminology in use, however, unnecessarily burden communication efforts required for regional collaboration towards resolving industry challenges. This paper introduces demand-side integration as the underlying technical issue encompassing all aspects of demand-side management in today’s restructured industry environment. An international review of demand- side programs reveals common drivers, challenges, and forms of demand-side integration worldwide.