PowerSavers
Giving our customers more choices and incentives to use energy efficiently
The way we deliver and consume electricity is changing fast. To meet our customers’ needs, Endeavour Energy is investing in new technologies that offer customers more options and flexibility on how they access and use energy. This includes implementing projects and initiatives such as PowerSavers.
PowerSavers was a program that we designed to assist our customers with saving money and using electricity more wisely and effectively, while receiving financial rewards or smart devices. The program had a comprehensive range of applications and services to manage demand management activities.
PowerSavers concluded on 31 March 2024.
PowerSavers plans
Smart Thermostat
Participants in the Smart Thermostat plan were rewarded with a smart thermostat valued at $199 for their home, at no cost. If they already owned an eligible smart thermostat, they received $100 in gift cards for participating.
How PowerSavers worked
Endeavour Energy has launched multiple initiatives under its PowerSavers program, using smart devices to manage peak demand on the network during Event days.
The increasing prevalence of rooftop solar PV installations has led to a decrease in minimum demand. Excessive solar energy fed back into the grid can cause voltage issues and compromise service quality. Some PowerSavers plans were implemented to restrict solar exports or ‘absorb’ surplus solar generation within the local electricity network.
We were able to designate up to 20 Event days within a 12-month period, exclusively on weekdays, excluding weekends and public holidays. These days were selected based on anticipated extreme temperature events. Event periods could extend up to four hours, occurring between 11am and 8pm. Customers were informed in advance via email and/or SMS about these events.
Program results
The program, which began accepting registrations on 31 March 2022, concluded on 31 March 2024. During this period, over 1,000 customers expressed interest, but due to limited availability, only approximately 400 customers were able to actively participate in the initial extended summer phase from 1 November 2022 to 31 March 2023. This phase included 8 Event days, during which participants collectively contributed to a significant reduction in energy consumption and managed excess solar generation effectively.
Specifically, the 50 participants in the Smart Hot Water System plan achieved substantial energy savings of up to 41,328kWh, which translates to a reduction of approximately 32 tonnes of CO2, based on NSW emission factors, throughout the first summer. Unfortunately, detailed results and data for other plans are not available, as a majority of those participants do not have a smart meter.
The second phase, spanning from 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2024, did not include any Event days. The trial’s objectives were successfully met in the first year, demonstrating the successful integration of demand response across various device types.
Moreover, the program was well-received, with 92% of participants’ expectations being met or exceeded and an overall satisfaction rating of 8.6 out of 10. This high level of satisfaction can be attributed to the rewards customers received for altering their behaviour with minimal intervention, without compromising their comfort or lifestyle.
Customer experience
Program participant, Nicole from Seven Hills, says she learnt how to better manage her household energy load and save money by making the best use of her solar energy to power her home appliances. Watch this video to hear more of her story.
If you were a program participant and have questions, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at powersavers@endeavourenergy.com.au. Terms and conditions for the program are available here.