Hot water heaters for grid balancing

The grid is under the most strain on cold mornings and in the early evening. Meanwhile, hot water heaters and buffer tanks across the country hold substantial thermal energy. By running heating outside peak periods, demand can be shifted without users noticing.

For commercial buildings and larger residential properties, the potential is significant. Control can follow spot prices or capacity tariffs, sharing value between lower owner costs and reduced stress on the grid. Several Norwegian grid operators are now piloting flexibility markets that explicitly value this type of resource.