Arcus Power partners with Enel North America for Advanced Energy Management Solutions, Weekend AESO analyst reports and more.

Exciting news! As many of you know, last week we announced a strategic partnership between Arcus Power Corp and Enel North America , a global leader in Demand Response. The goal of this collaboration is to improve energy cost management solutions for our customers.

Enel will integrate Arcus’ #Pwrstream tool into its demand response offering. This integration is designed to improve energy management for corporations with large energy demands. The objective is to decrease energy spend and optimize demand response participation. It will support the customers’ bidding strategies, demand response activities, and operational efficiency during peak price periods and market volatility.

The energy market poses challenges with power market fluctuations, rising operational costs due to high electricity consumption, and regulatory changes. However, many businesses have the potential for demand response participation due to flexible operations and adjustable energy usage. With tools like Pwrstream, these businesses can utilize their energy flexibility to drive cost savings in addition to demand response, increasing their net benefit.

Dan Erhardt, Founder and CEO at Arcus Power, said, “This strategic partnership is breaking down barriers by providing a holistic view of managing energy costs, which benefits not only the end consumer’s energy efficiencies but also the grid.”

Industries such as mining, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and transportation, with substantial energy demands, stand to benefit from #Pwrstream. This tool enables them to optimize their energy flexibility, driving changes and improving their profitability.

Through this partnership, Enel North America is integrating #Pwrstream into its demand response offerings. This will provide customers with real-time, actionable insights and a comprehensive approach to managing their electricity bills effectively. #Pwrstream enables companies to manage their energy assets effectively, reduce consumption during peak times, avoid high energy costs, and benefit from demand response incentives.

Additionally, #Pwrstream provides tools for anticipating price changes, minimizing operational risks, and maximizing net revenue benefits. It also helps reduce tariff charges and provides daily analyst reports, giving insights into key drivers of electricity prices and market trends.

AESO Analyst Quick Look

Recap of Friday, February 23rd through Sunday, February 25th

On Friday, the entire day had low prices with a daily average price of 24.14 $/MWh. The on and off-peak hours were priced at 26.12 $/MWh and 20.18 $/MWh respectively. Demand was low due to above-average temperatures, with values barely exceeding 10,885 MW in the afternoon. Wind generation was consistently over 3,200 MW. Solar generation peaked above 1,100 MW between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., then fell after 5 p.m. due to sunny weather in southern Alberta. The gas generator Cascade # 1 (CAS1) operated from 08:36 a.m. to 6:14 p.m. Several generators were out of service, representing over 1,350 MW of low-priced power unavailable for the day. Although exports increased above 900 MW, high renewable generation and low demand kept prices under 35 $/MWh for most of the day.

On Saturday, the daily average price was 56.43 $/MWh. Demand was low due to high temperatures, reaching just above 10,580 MW in the afternoon. Wind generation fluctuated throughout the day, while solar generation peaked at 400 MW between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The gas generator Calgary Energy Center (CAL1) resumed operation at 4:09 a.m., but several other generators remained offline, representing over 1,100 MW of low-priced power unavailable for the day. Even though exports increased above 800 MW, high renewable generation and low demand kept prices under 30 $/MWh for several morning hours. However, prices rose during some evening hours due to low wind generation.

On Sunday, the daily average price was 41.23 $/MWh. Demand was low due to above-average temperatures, peaking at 11,050 MW in the evening. Wind generation fluctuated again, while solar generation peaked at 700 MW between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Several generators remained offline, representing over 1,100 MW of low-priced power unavailable for the day. Even though exports increased above 800 MW, high renewable generation and low demand kept prices under 40 $/MWh for several morning hours. However, prices rose above 100 $/MWh during some early morning hours due to low wind generation.

Expectations for today: Monday, February 26th

Today, temperatures are expected to be lower than yesterday across most of the province, leading to higher demand. Wind generation will decrease, falling below 1,000 MW in the evening and 500 MW at night. Solar generation is projected to peak at 700 MW between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., then fall after 5 p.m. Several generators remain offline, representing over 1,100 MW of low-priced power unavailable today. Exports exceeding 500 MW are scheduled for this morning, while imports above 200 MW are expected in the afternoon and at night. As a result, prices will likely be low in the morning but high in the evening and at night.

Is software the hero to unlock the potential of the grid?

The exponential growth of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar, electric vehicles, and batteries is both a challenge and an opportunity for the grid. By 2030, we're looking at a 7x increase in DERs and an 18x in electric vehicles, alongside a significant rise in heat pump installations across Europe.

The traditional grid is now under pressure since an upgrade to the infrastructure is overdue. It must adapt to accommodate two-way power flows and manage the variability introduced by renewable energy sources. This shift is crucial not only for enhancing grid capacity but also for ensuring stability amidst these decentralized resources.

Adapting to a New Energy

As we witness an unprecedented level of complexity in grid management, the need for innovative solutions has never been more critical. The key lies in transforming DERs from potential burdens into powerful assets that can balance the grid and accelerate the energy transition.

Empowering the Grid with AI and ML

We believe that software integration with AI and ML-driven solutions promises a future of smarter, more autonomous grids. These solutions provide unparalleled insights into the behavior and potential of DERs, enabling utilities to harness their full flexibility. By improving visibility and control, utilities can optimize grid performance, reduce technical losses, and plan more efficiently for capacity expansions.

Autonomous Grid Management

The future of grid management is not just about coping with change but thriving in it. Solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing grid infrastructures, offering a scalable and customizable approach to energy management. This not only supports the immediate needs of utilities but also paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

We invite you to explore how Arcus Power can revolutionize your grid management strategies.

Connect with us to learn more about our innovative solutions and how we can help you harness the power of AI and ML for a brighter energy future.