Canadian Utility Leverages Residential Thermal Storage as a Grid Resource

Water heating represents, on average, 17% of the total residential energy consumption where electric water heaters are installed as the primary water heating device, and the usage patterns of these appliances typically coincide with morning and afternoon/evening utility system peak loads. With the shift to renewable and distributed energy resources, utilities are actively integrating DERMS platforms to digitally control distributed energy resources to achieve maximum value and increase system reliability.

A DERMS platform provider recognized the value and demand management capacity of an electric water heater solution and recommended Armada as a potential program participant. A proposal was provided that included the integration with the DERMS platform by leveraging Armada’s REST API application interface. Armada was awarded the pilot program for water heater control and shipped units within 90 days of the initial commercial engagement. Training commenced following virtual sessions with the contracted installation team.