With a capacity tariff, a short demand peak can affect the grid-cost component of the bill. SmartgridOne monitors the grid connection and coordinates batteries and controllable loads to stay closer to a configured power limit.

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Watch peak management in action

This video shows how SmartgridOne coordinates batteries and flexible loads to limit avoidable power peaks. The complete explanation is available directly in the embedded player below.

Why short demand peaks matter

A capacity tariff links part of the electricity bill to the highest power drawn from the grid during a defined measurement period. A site may consume a reasonable amount of energy over a month and still incur avoidable costs when several large loads run at the same time. EV charging, heat pumps, industrial equipment and an empty battery can together create a short but expensive peak.

The exact tariff formula and measurement interval depend on the electricity supplier, distribution grid operator and contract. That is why a peak-shaving project should start with the applicable tariff rules, historical measurements and the site's operational requirements.

How SmartgridOne limits peak demand

SmartgridOne continuously monitors the grid connection and compares the measured power with a configured limit. When demand approaches that limit, the EMS can coordinate compatible assets according to clear priorities. A battery may discharge, an EV charger may temporarily reduce its charging power, or another flexible load may be shifted to a quieter moment.

This is more than a simple on/off rule. The control strategy must preserve battery reserve, user comfort, production schedules and device limits. SmartgridOne provides one vendor-independent control layer for compatible batteries, charging stations, heat pumps, solar inverters and meters, allowing the installer to configure these priorities centrally.

Project checklist before commissioning

• Establish the baseline. Review at least several weeks of interval data and identify which loads create the highest peaks.
• Confirm the tariff. Record the billing period, power-measurement interval and any contracted import limit.
• Validate metering. Check current direction, phase mapping, update rate and communication stability.
• Define asset priorities. Decide how much battery capacity remains reserved and which loads may be curtailed.
• Test fail-safe behaviour. Verify what happens after a network interruption, device outage or missing price signal.
• Measure the result. Compare actual peaks with the baseline and document the achieved reduction.

Combine cost control with other energy objectives

The same SmartgridOne installation can also improve self-consumption, respond to dynamic electricity prices and prepare a site for grid-control signals. Those objectives should not compete blindly. Grid requirements, safety limits and the site's operational needs must always take priority over cost optimisation.

For a reliable result, start with the applicable Swiss tariff and the technical requirements of the local DSO. Then verify supported devices, agree on the control priorities with the customer and complete a full commissioning test before handover.

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