An optimized operating schedule is obtained while avoiding a complexity of formulation and optimization in response to an incentive type demand response. A device includes an energy predictor setting a predicted value of energy of a control-target device within a predetermined future period, a schedule optimizer optimizing the operating schedule of the control-target device within the predetermined period in accordance with a predetermined evaluation barometer, an incentive acceptance determiner determining a time with a possibility that an incentive is receivable, an electricity suppressing schedule optimizer optimizing, for a time with a possibility that the incentive is receivable, the operating schedule of the control-target device based on a unit price of electricity fee having a unit price for calculating the incentive taken into consideration, and an adopted schedule selector selecting either one of the operating schedules.