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    Man working on powerlines from EWP

    How we manage network demand

    Enabling technology

    The electricity industry has undergone considerable transformation over the past 15 years, with a marked increase in the adoption of rooftop solar, batteries, electric vehicles, and smart appliances by both residential and business customers. These advancements have empowered customers to better manage and meet their own energy needs.

    To keep pace with these changes, we are developing innovative solutions that provide customers with greater flexibility in how they use and derive value from their consumer energy resources (CER).

    These solutions not only benefit customers but also assist us in managing energy supply and demand more effectively on our network.

    Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS)

    We are implementing a software platform known as the Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS).

    This platform is designed to manage and optimise the operation of enrolled CER within the electricity grid. Through DERMS, grid operators can monitor, control, and coordinate a wide array of distributed energy resources, including solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage installations, and electric storage water heaters.

    Additionally, the DERMS platform supports dynamic connections using the Dynamic Operating Envelopes (DOE). These tools enable utilities to seamlessly integrate and manage CER, enhancing grid reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

    Dynamic connections

    Dynamic connections allow customers to export as much of their generated electricity as their local network can accommodate at any given time. This flexibility helps customers maximise their feed-in tariffs and take advantage of other revenue opportunities.

    The DERMS will also be capable of communicating with smart and flexible appliances—such as hot water systems, electric vehicle chargers, and pool pumps—to reduce their demand on the network during periods of severe peak load, for short durations.

    For more information, visit our About Dynamic Connections web page.

    Aggregated Demand Response Program (ADRP)

    Customers who actively manage their CER to be flexible may also unlock additional value provided by the networks through participation in the Aggregated Demand Response Program (ADRP).

    The DERMS platform also facilitates communication with customers who are part of a Virtual Power Plant, enabling them to receive signals and be rewarded for supporting network management.

    For more information, visit our Aggregated Demand Response Program web page.

    Audio Frequency Load Control (AFLC)

    We deliver affordable Economy and Night Rate load control tariffs by employing a signalling system on our network, known as Audio Frequency Load Control (AFLC). For most households, these tariffs provide financial advantages when connected to residential hot water systems and pool pumps.

    In addition to tariff support, the AFLC system now also underpins the current Emergency Backstop Mechanism in Queensland.

    For more information, visit our Audio Frequency Load Control and Emergency Backstop Mechanism web pages.