Energy program soaks up surplus solar

Endeavour Energy and smart metering company Intellihub have officially launched the Off Peak Plus energy program, which is set to change the way off-peak electricity systems operate.

Partnering with 10 energy retailers, the two companies have installed smart meters at 2500 homes across Albion Park in NSW. The installed meters are used to control hot water systems, allowing them to be switched on during the day when surplus power is being generated from household solar systems.

The program is designed to improve network performance, help save customers money and speed the transition to a low-carbon future.

“Endeavour Energy initiated this program to solve the problem of replacing and upsizing a 50-year-old off-peak control system in its nearby substation,” said Endeavour Energy CEO Guy Chalkley.

“By using advanced smart meters, instead of investing in expensive old technology at the substation, Endeavour Energy can save real dollars and cents for our customers by finding ways to help them capture more affordable solar energy.

“We’ll also be able to access energy and power quality data through the smart meter to help us better respond to issues and outages, particularly during storms, giving customers even safer and more reliable energy,” Chalkley said.

NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean said with almost a quarter of all homes now using solar, Off Peak Plus would give customers more control over their electricity use and enable excess solar power generated locally to be used by neighbours to heat their hot water systems.

“This state-of-the-art program has found a way to manage peak energy demand, helping to futureproof the grid with even more home solar systems,” Kean said.

“The smart meters will also detect safety issues with a customer’s installation and help detect network issues and outages, particularly during storms and incidents.”

The program is managed by Intellihub, a metering provider specialising in products that enhance grid visibility and data insight.

“It’s an innovative project, not just because of the technology, but how it’s being used to benefit customers, the environment and industry all at once,” Intellihub CEO Adrian Clark said.

“Endeavour Energy is showing the industry how to work together and share the benefits of technology and collaboration.”