The power sector is the single industry with the largest carbon emission in China, the carbon emission of which accounts for more than 40% of China’s total carbon emissions. In relevant research on the simulation of power system operation, current studies focus more on energy conservation and economical operation, while few consider the low-carbon optimization of the power system from the perspective of carbon emissions. In addition, in relevant research on carbon reduction in the power system, current studies focus more on controlling the direct carbon emission of the source side and less on the indirect carbon emissions of the load side, which focus on the reverse effect of a user’s electricity consumption behavior on the carbon reduction goals of the power system. This article delved into a deterministic simulation model of power system operation based on time series load curves and proposed a carbon reduction mechanism called the low-carbon demand response mechanism, which guides users to actively respond and reduce the carbon emission of power systems. In addition, this article conducted an empirical analysis based on the planning data of the North China Power Grid. To minimize carbon emissions, a simulation of low-carbon optimization operation for the North China Power Grid in 2040 was carried out. Then, based on the simulation results, an analysis of the carbon reduction benefits of low-carbon demand response was carried out. Ultimately, the empirical analysis verified that low-carbon optimization operation and low-carbon demand response technology possess significant carbon reduction potential for the power system.

Responding to the low-carbon demands of power users helps the power industry unlock carbon emission reduction potential, transmit carbon reduction responsibilities, and hold significant importance for energy conservation and carbon reduction. Currently, there is relatively limited empirical research on carbon emission demand responses in different industries. Therefore, this article, based on dynamic carbon accounting technology and combined with power planning and operation simulation data in Fangshan District, proposes a low-carbon demand response mechanism guided by user-side carbon reduction, using dynamic carbon emission factors as guiding signals. Furthermore, an assessment model for the carbon reduction potential of a low-carbon demand response technology is constructed. Finally, empirical research is conducted on the estimated carbon emission reduction of 108 enterprises in 6 different industries in Fangshan District based on the assessment model. The results indicate that carrying out low-carbon demand response can reduce enterprise carbon emissions, and changes in enterprise capacity and industry affiliation will have a significant impact on the carbon reduction effect. This study introduces a novel approach to the low-carbon development of the power system load side, offering a fresh perspective on the empirical analysis of low-carbon development for typical receiving-end power grids.