The pattern “energy service company” (ESCO) addresses the role that energy services companies play by becoming part of the energy community and by fulfilling one or several of the key functions. With the pattern “energy service company” we refer to the energy division of a utility company, as well as to other companies providing energy services (e.g., energy efficiency, energy management), both serving the individual members of the community. In contrast, grid operators are not members of the energy communities, as they, being strongly regulated businesses, are not involved in the communities’ day-to-day activities. Grid operators, however, can be partners to the energy community, as they still can profit from the community’s activities. This pattern covers the typical ESCO role, as well as other companies offering energy services.

Implementation reference

• Foster development of energy communities (Green Energy Cooperative) and community energy trading platforms (Quartierstrom  project)
• Project development for multi-technology integrated RES systems (Flexens)
• Energy management service to consumers (Tibber)
• Energy services to industries and organizations (Kiwipower, Entelios)
• Energy services for ports (Hafenstrom)

This pattern belongs to the core area: Energy Community Members