Method and system for demand response in a distribution network

A method and system (100) for controlling load (116) in a utility distribution network are provided that initiates a shed event for a node in the distribution network by selecting premisess (112) associated with the node that are participating in a demand response program to reduce the load (116) at the node to desired levels. More specifically, the system and method (100) provide for selecting only enough participating premises (112) associated with the node that are necessary to reduce the load to desired levels.