Hot water heaters for power balancing

The power grid is most stressed on cold mornings and in the early evening. At the same time, large amounts of energy are stored in hot-water heaters and thermal storage tanks across the country. By controlling heating so it occurs outside peak hours, consumption can be shifted without occupants noticing any difference.

For commercial properties and larger residential buildings the potential is significant. The control can be linked to spot prices or capacity tariffs, and the benefit is shared between lower costs for the owner and reduced load on the grid. Several Norwegian grid operators are now exploring flexibility markets that can explicitly value this type of resource.