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.

Watch peak management in action

The embedded video shows how SmartgridOne coordinates batteries and flexible loads to limit avoidable power peaks. It explains the control principle directly on this page, so there is no need to open a separate video link.

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 simultaneously. EV charging, heat pumps, production equipment and an empty battery can together create a short but expensive peak.

The exact calculation method, measurement interval and billing period depend on the electricity supplier, distribution grid operator and contract. A sound peak-shaving project therefore starts with the applicable tariff rules and real interval measurements, rather than with an arbitrary power limit.

How SmartgridOne limits peak demand

SmartgridOne continuously monitors the point of grid connection and compares the measured power with a configured threshold. When demand approaches that threshold, the EMS coordinates available assets according to clearly defined priorities. A battery can discharge, an EV charger can temporarily reduce its charging power, or another flexible load can be shifted to a quieter moment.

This is more than a simple on/off rule. The control strategy has to 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, enabling the installer to configure those priorities centrally.

Build the control strategy from measured data

1. Establish the baseline. Review several weeks of interval data and identify which combinations of loads create the highest peaks.
2. Confirm the tariff. Record the billing period, power-measurement interval and any contracted import or export limit.
3. Define a realistic threshold. A limit that is too low can cause unnecessary cycling or curtailment; a limit that is too high leaves savings unused.
4. Assign asset priorities. Decide how much battery capacity remains reserved and which loads may be reduced or shifted.
5. Measure the result. Compare actual peaks with the baseline and refine the configuration when the site's load pattern changes.

Commissioning checklist

• Verify current direction, phase mapping, scaling, update rate and communication stability of the grid meter.
• Check the permitted charge and discharge power, state-of-charge boundaries and reserve requirements of the battery.
• Confirm how quickly each flexible load can react and whether temporary reduction affects the customer's operation.
• Test the configured threshold with a controlled demand increase and confirm the response at the grid connection.
• Verify fail-safe behaviour after a network interruption, device outage or missing data signal.
• Document the baseline, final settings and handover test for later performance evaluation.

Combine cost control with other objectives

The same SmartgridOne installation can also increase self-consumption, respond to dynamic electricity prices and prepare the site for grid-control signals. Those objectives should not compete blindly. Safety limits, mandatory grid requirements 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 the control priorities with the customer and complete a full commissioning test before handover.

Configure peak shaving

Open the battery peak-shaving guide →

Explore all local control modes →   Configure the energy contract →

After commissioning, review the savings estimate and measured result →