A method for dispatching buildings participating in a demand response program including generating data sets for each of the buildings, each having energy consumption values along with corresponding time and outside temperature values, where the energy consumption values within each set are shifted by one of a plurality of lag values relative to the corresponding time and outside temperature values, and where each lag value; performing a regression analysis on each set to yield corresponding regression model parameters and a corresponding residual; determining a least valued indicating a corresponding energy lag for each of the buildings; and using outside temperatures, regression model parameters, and energy lags for all of the buildings to estimate a cumulative energy consumption for the buildings, and to predict a dispatch order reception time for a demand response program event.