A method for carrying out a demand response event via an intelligent, network-connected thermostat in a structure, comprising: controlling the operation of a cooling system associated with the structure for a characterization period according to an HVAC schedule for the thermostat; receiving, for the characterization period, information for determining a plurality of physical parameters associated with the structure that are at least partially determinative of a suitability of the structure for participation in a demand response event, wherein said plurality of physical parameters includes: a cooling capacity of the cooling system relative to a volume of the structure to be cooled by the cooling system; and a thermal retention characteristic of the structure; determining the plurality of physical parameters; receiving at least one user input characterizing a user amenability to demand response load shifting; receiving a notification of a demand response event interval defined by the demand response event; receiving a weather forecast indicating a predicted temperature at the location of the structure for the duration of the demand response interval; determining an occupancy probability profile for the demand response event interval; jointly processing information derived from said HVAC schedule, said cooling capacity of the cooling system, said thermal retention characteristic, said user amenability to demand response load shifting, said weather forecast, and said occupancy probability profile to (a) determine whether said structure is qualified to participate in said demand response event, and (b) determine, if said structure is qualified to so participate, a demand response event implementation profile associated with participation in the demand response event; and controlling, in the event that said structure is determined to be qualified to participate in said demand response event, the cooling system according to said demand response event implementation profile during said demand response event interval. controlling the operation of a cooling system associated with the structure for a characterization period according to an HVAC schedule for the thermostat; receiving, for the characterization period, information for determining a plurality of physical parameters associated with the structure that are at least partially determinative of a suitability of the structure for participation in a demand response event, wherein said plurality of physical parameters includes: a cooling capacity of the cooling system relative to a volume of the structure to be cooled by the cooling system; and a thermal retention characteristic of the structure; a cooling capacity of the cooling system relative to a volume of the structure to be cooled by the cooling system; and a thermal retention characteristic of the structure; determining the plurality of physical parameters; receiving at least one user input characterizing a user amenability to demand response load shifting; receiving a notification of a demand response event interval defined by the demand response event; receiving a weather forecast indicating a predicted temperature at the location of the structure for the duration of the demand response interval; determining an occupancy probability profile for the demand response event interval; jointly processing information derived from said HVAC schedule, said cooling capacity of the cooling system, said thermal retention characteristic, said user amenability to demand response load shifting, said weather forecast, and said occupancy probability profile to (a) determine whether said structure is qualified to participate in said demand response event, and (b) determine, if said structure is qualified to so participate, a demand response event implementation profile associated with participation in the demand response event; and controlling, in the event that said structure is determined to be qualified to participate in said demand response event, the cooling system according to said demand response event implementation profile during said demand response event interval.