By applying the pattern “reduce energy costs” the community strives to reduce the amount of money spent by community members for electricity, mobility and/or heating. A cost reduction can be achieved by providing cheaper energy services, but also by shifting the demand to low-tariff times, or by improving efficiency and sufficiency. For the particular situation of commercial consumers, peak loads are a crucial factor that often determine the amount of the energy bills. Reducing peak loads can substantially reduce energy related costs and ensure new revenue stream by providing flexibility services to, for example, grid operators. Furthermore, by sector coupling, investments can become more cost efficient and profitable for the benefit of the community.

Implementation reference

• Higher-price for excess solar PV electricity (Sonnen Community)
• Shopping mall as virtual power plant for energy & flexibility (Vibeco)
• Save through smart heat management (Tibber)
• Generate revenue through flexibility services (Tiko, Kiwipower, Alpiq, Eneco Crowdnett)
• Peak shaving/shifting (ThermoVault, Open Energi)

Research reference

• Engelken (2019): Reducing energy costs as one of several business models for renewable energies
• Stephan et al. (2016), He et al. (2011), Kubli & Canzi (2021): Using resources efficiently through multiple-usage

This pattern belongs to the core area: Community Value Proposition