The Customer-powered Energy Transition: How Utilities can Accelerate Demand Side Flexibility

premium account

Recording of Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 15:27 .

Headline: "Challenges and Opportunities in Electrifying Energy Systems Discussed, Emphasizing Consumer Benefits and Intelligent Demand Management"

The discussion addresses the complexities and opportunities related to increased electrification of homes and transport, particularly within the context of renewable energy. Starting with a mention of solar power's impact on grid demand, especially noted in Australia, it highlights issues arising from uncontrolled load growth as more households adopt electric heating/cooling and electric vehicles (EVs). Traditional methods for managing maximum demand are becoming insufficient, leading to challenges that existing distribution networks can't quickly or adequately address due to physical limitations like supply chain capacity. Despite these hurdles, there is potential for creating immense value through managed loads—intelligently shifting demand can optimize system efficiency. Regulatory changes are underway to better support this transition. However, ensuring consumers see tangible benefits from cheaper renewable energy is crucial; otherwise, public backlash could arise due to high electricity costs despite abundant green energy sources. A proposed solution involves "intelligent demand" instead of outdated "demand-side response." This includes using smart tariffs that incentivize off-peak usage through variable pricing structures and educational campaigns promoting behavioral shifts aligned with system needs. Automation also plays a key role by integrating technologies such as EVs, heat pumps, solar panels/batteries into households’ daily routines efficiently. Examples include Octopus Energy’s tri-band tariff in the UK which successfully shifted significant household electrical loads away from peak times without sacrificing comfort or convenience—a testament to effective consumer engagement strategies combined with innovative tariff design.

Automated summarization by AI Conver

Speaker

Alex Schoch
Global Head of Flexibility
Octopus Energy
UK

Talk of session: Demand Side Flexibility - the Role of Grid Infrastructure, Market Players and Digitalization in Meeting Consumer Expectations

Active consumer involvement is a crucial aspect of the energy transition. Demand-side flexibility is essential for a flexible energy system that integrates the exponentially growing number of distributed energy resources. Both the system and society in general need consumers to adapt their energy usage to the available network capacity. Digitalization and new technologies - such as smart meters - as well as market-based solutions will allow consumers to become active players. However, being able does not necessarily mean being willing, so incentives are needed. This session will also address how our grid can be prepared to meet consumer expectations and how to deal with a flood of connection requests in a timely manner while ensuring security of supply.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Carmen Gimeno
Secretary General
GEODE
Belgium

To Talk

Pursuing Socially Inclusive Demand-side Flexibility in Europe

Speaker

Andreas Jahn
Senior Associate
Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)
Belgium

To Talk

Flexibility Potential in the Household Sector - a Billion-Euro Market

Speaker

Sebastian Mahlow
Managing Director
ison GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Enabling Prosumers to Accelerate the Energy Transition

Speaker

Dr. Frank Schlichting
CEO
Kiwigrid GmbH
Germany

To Talk

The Dso's Enabling Prosumers

Speaker

José Ferrari Careto
CEO of Networks Business
EDP Group

To Talk

Panel Discussion

To Talk

Partners & Sponsors

Further Content
Dr. Richard Lucht
The future of the Heat Pump - a Hot Topic or an Important Component of the Energy Transition?

The smarter E Podcast Episode 221 | Language: English

June 12, 2025

Dr Richard Lucht explains why the heat pump is the more economical and future-proof choice compared to traditional oil and gas heating systems.

Webinar
More sustainable and efficient mining with solar thermal

July 8, 2025

Learn how solar thermal energy boosts efficiency in mining operations. Flemming Jorgensen will share reference projects, key benefits and what is needed to expand its use in Mexico. Perfect for those seeking reliable energy solutions.

Webinar
Heating Up: How Solar Thermal Solutions Are Shaping Latin America

June 26, 2025

Solar thermal energy is gaining momentum across Latin America, with Brazil and Mexico leading the charge.

Julian Jansen, Fluence and Michael Schreiber, Octopus Energy
The Resilient Energy System: Security in a Changing World

The smarter E Podcast Episode 219 | Language: English

May 29, 2025

Julian Jansen and Michael Schreiber discuss energy security, grid stability and the robustness of the European electricity grid

Tom Essex, Co-Founder of Kigyo Solutions
Navigating the Unique Recruitment Market in Germany and Europe for Solar, Wind and Battery Projects

The smarter E Podcast Episode 209 | Language: English

March 20, 2025

Tom Essex, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Kigyo Solutions, explains that the energy transition could require over 1 million new jobs by 2030.

You are using an outdated browser

The website cannot be viewed in this browser. Please open the website in an up-to-date browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.