
The EEA is leading the demand flexibility-focused project, FlexTalk in partnership with EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) and industry.
Our vision is to maximise participation in electricity demand flexibility services for the benefit of consumers and industry.
To achieve this vision, we first trialled the adoption of a common communication protocol to identify what could be accepted by the New Zealand electricity supply industry and enable parties seeking or providing flexibility services to easily procure, dispatch, and monitor such services.
Read our project reports below outlining our exploration of OpenADR®, technical insights on the programs tested and the technical approaches taken to implement OpenADR® and key recommendations for industry on its fit for the New Zealand context.
FlexTalk Summary July 2024
FlexTalk Final Report May 2024
FlexTalk Technical Insights Final Report May 2024
We then began a small-scale test of the installation and functionality of devices in homes. And in 2025, we are planning a large-scale trial of in-home smart devices and consumer energy resources to manage flexibility on the electricity network, while ensuring stability, reliability and efficiency.
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Why is demand flexibility so important?
Aotearoa New Zealand has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and an aspirational goal of reaching 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030.
Most new renewable generation will be intermittent in nature, coming from solar and wind sources, which will create challenges for the people operating our electricity system and managing intermittent supply against community demand.
The increasing uptake of electric vehicles, batteries and smart devices in the home is an opportunity for us to achieve greater flexibility in how demand is managed.
Energy system flexibility can help to facilitate the introduction of more intermittent renewable electricity generation and provide consumers with an opportunity to play an increasing role in the operation of the electricity network.
If left uncontrolled, increased electrification will require significant investment in network infrastructure and ultimately cost the consumer more via their electricity bill.
Taking the first step
The FlexTalk project has explored how the adoption of a common communication protocol, in this case OpenADR®, could better enable customer flexibility to be utilised by testing the interoperability of a two-way common communication protocol between an electricity distribution company and flexibility supplier.
Our trial tested the feasibility of a common communications protocol and developed the procedures needed for the active management of electric vehicle charging in near real time. Read about the project below and watch our webinars.
Webinars
Previous FlexTalk webinars have been recorded and can be viewed here.
Frequently asked questions about FlexTalk
Read some of the more frequently asked questions about FlexTalk and demand flexibility
Reports
FlexTalk
- 1 FlexTalk Final Report May 2024
- 2 FlexTalk Final Technical Report May 2024
- 3 FlexTalk Summary July 2024
- EA Technology Intnl Review of Open Comms Standards or Protocols Feb 2024
- EA Technology Intnl review Response from FlexTalk Feb 2024
- FlexTalk Demand Flexibility Communications Protocol Project Overview Jan 2023
- FlexTalk Project Infographic Dec 2023
- FlexTalk Update April 2023
- FlexTalk Update October 2023