Driving business efficiency with the FLEX CARD
How can businesses get up to 20% savings on energy bills utilising load flexibility?
Birdwood and Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) team up to empower Australian businesses with innovative energy management solutions.
January 8, 2025
Introduction
Birdwood Business Energy is leading the charge in empowering Australian businesses with innovative energy solutions. A collaborative initiative supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Birdwood's Load Flexibility Report Card Platform demonstrates how businesses can leverage demand flexibility to reduce costs, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to the transition toward a renewable-powered grid. This case study explores how this project unfolded, its technological underpinnings, and the tangible benefits it delivers to customers.
Challenge: Addressing Energy Peaks and Costs
In the face of rising energy demands and a grid increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources, businesses face challenges managing fluctuating energy costs. Energy consumption peaks drive up electricity bills and strain the grid during high-demand periods. A lack of visibility into energy usage and limited flexibility exacerbates this issue for both small businesses and larger enterprises.
Solution: The Load Flexibility Report Card Platform
Birdwood Business Energy, with funding and support from ARENA, introduced the Load Flexibility Report Card Platform, an innovative tool to address these challenges. This software leverages advanced data analytics and real-time monitoring to empower businesses with actionable insights into their energy usage patterns. Here’s how it works:
Real-Time Monitoring and Insights
The platform provides users with real-time data on energy consumption, allowing them to understand and predict their energy needs.
Demand Response Optimisation
Businesses can participate in demand response programs, shifting or reducing their electricity use during peak times. This reduces energy bills and supports grid stability.
Automation for Efficiency
Through machine learning and AI algorithms, the software automates demand-response actions, making it easier for businesses to integrate energy flexibility into their operations without impacting productivity.
Results: Proven Success in Trials
The initiative has seen notable success through pilot programs. For instance, Birdwood's project engaged businesses across various sectors, allowing them to reduce energy costs while participating in a greener energy future. Highlights from the pilot include:
Cost Savings: Businesses reported up to 20% savings on energy bills through optimised demand-response participation.
Grid Contribution: By reducing peak-time energy usage, participants supported grid reliability, minimising reliance on fossil fuel-based peaker plants.
Customer Empowerment: The platform gave customers control over their energy use, aligning operational needs with cost-saving opportunities.
As emphasised by ARENA's CEO Darren Miller, these trials are a vital step in demonstrating how demand flexibility can complement renewable energy integration and create win-win scenarios for businesses and the environment (link).
Future Prospects: Scaling for Impact
With the success of the pilot programs finalised in Quarter 4 2024, Birdwood Business Energy is poised to scale this platform to more businesses. Expanding the adoption of demand-flexibility solutions will enable businesses across Australia to reduce energy costs, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to a resilient, renewable-powered grid. As Birdwood continues to innovate, the platform is set to play a crucial role in Australia's energy transition.
Project partners
Australian National University, Energy Efficiency Council Inc