Counties Energy’s DSO strategy emphasizes the adoption of innovative digital and smart solutions to optimize the existing network capacity, thereby deferring costly infrastructure upgrades. The Ara Ake EDB Challenge presented a timely opportunity for Counties to explore an orchestration platform for energy management on its low-voltage network. By leveraging Plexigrid’s advanced LV analytics and AI technology, Counties Energy can effectively manage EV charging demand and orchestrate DERs. This approach ensures that network demand remains within safe limits, maintaining a high-quality customer experience while enabling Counties to enhance asset utilization and stabilize line service costs.
Counties Energy’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) strategy is built around a proactive approach to managing the transition to a low-carbon future for its network, which supports 50,000 homes, businesses, and farms across the south Auckland region. In line with New Zealand’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Counties Energy recognizes the urgent need to adapt its infrastructure as customers shift from fossil fuels to electric-powered alternatives like EVs, heat pumps, and solar. This shift poses significant challenges for the existing low-voltage network, which could become heavily constrained if not managed strategically.
As noted by Plexigrid’s CEO Alberto Méndez, the evolution of distribution networks is critical in the journey toward carbon neutrality. The role of technological advancements and the rapid increase in distributed energy resources (DERs) in transforming electricity distribution. Innovative distributors worldwide are moving towards a DSO model, fostering a shared energy ecosystem that encourages both consumers and prosumers to contribute to system stability and facilitate the integration of more renewable energy sources. In this context, Counties Energy is at the forefront of developing distribution systems that maximize asset efficiency and support the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Counties Energy’s strategy is rooted in an understanding of its customers’ needs, supported by the Trust, Board and Executive leadership. By learning from international markets, such as the U.S., U.K., and Australia, Counties is adapting global best practices to New Zealand’s unique context. Once proven, Counties Energy aims to expand this orchestration service to more customers, providing an innovative alternative to traditional network reinforcements and supporting a flexible, customer-centric decarbonization journey.
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