A method is provided for controlling electrical load on a power grid from a load facility using demand response. The method includes accessing memory storing computer-readable program code for decision analysis of a specified time interval for a demand-response (DR) event. The method also includes executing the computer-readable program code, via a processor, to cause an apparatus to at least make a decision to participate in or opt out of the DR event. This includes the apparatus receiving values of variables that describe occupancy and usage of the load facility for one or more time intervals. The apparatus applies the values to an algorithm that maps the variables to a decision to participate in or opt out of the DR event for the specified time interval. And the apparatus automatically notifies an operator responsible for the DR event of the decision at least when the decision is to opt out.