An HVAC system is configured to regulate a temperature of a space. The HVAC system includes means for compressing a refrigerant used to cool air provided to the space and a controller communicatively coupled to the means for compressing. The controller determines that a demand response time period is starting at a start time. After determining that the demand response time period is starting at the start time, an operation schedule is determined indicating alternating portions of the demand response period during which the means for compressing is to be turned off and turned on. At or after the start time of the demand response time period, the controller begins operating the means for compressing according to the determined operation schedule.