Hot water heaters for power balancing

The power grid is most heavily loaded on cold mornings and in the early evening. At the same time, large amounts of energy are stored in hot water heaters and buffer tanks across the country. By controlling heating so it runs outside peak hours, consumption can be shifted without the user noticing.

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