A wave of smart energy devices will give greater control to electricity consumers, according to the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
The new technology also means power price relief for Australia’s householders and business owners is in sight.
The announcement comes as both governments and stakeholders look for ways to ensure the future of the electricity grid.
With summer on the way, peak demand must be met in the face of coal-fired generator closures. However, this demand can be better managed with smart energy devices, according to the CEC.
Australian businesses are ‘fertile ground for innovators’
Clean Energy Council CEO Kane Thornton said smart Australian businesses are releasing technology and solutions that could help consumers save on their bills.
“Anywhere a significant problem exists is fertile ground for innovators to develop new and valuable solutions, and this is exactly what we are seeing across the energy sector right now,” Mr Thornton said.
An example of this new tech is the Redback Smart Hybrid System. A partnership between EnergyAustralia and Redback Technologies, it promises customers more value for money from their solar panels.
It lets consumers use intelligent energy control systems to maximise savings by using their power to avoid peak rates.
GreenSynch’s deX creates a smart grid exchange
Last week saw the launch of the Decentralised Energy Exchange – deX – by GreenSynch.
Energy software company GreenSynch created the deX platform as a way for customers and communities to trade electricity.
Using smart, connected devices, deX allows homes and businesses to generate, store and control energy.
Australian energy companies using deX constitute a ‘smart grid’, which ensures back-up supply in times of peak demand.
User-friendly energy technology that also saves money
Mr Thornton said it is clear that a big opportunity exists for innovative and user-friendly new technology.
For example, two projects shared first place in the Innovation category of the 2017 Clean Energy Council Awards:
- Horizon Power introduced a new way of billing modelled on mobile phone plans to make it more understandable. In addition, it created an app where users challenge themselves to stay under a set monthly allowance to save money.
- AusNet Services partnered with Greensync and PowerTec on a community mini-grid project in Victoria. This also lets customers save money while using 100 per cent renewable energy.
