FlexiO and the Capacity Tariff: how to continue maximizing savings

We read frequently in recent weeks leading up to the January 1 launch that the capacity tariff is another method of calculating the already existing grid tariffs, these are the charges we all pay for the piece of grid capacity we use every day.

In this blog post, we discover together that when combined with FlexiO, you can save solidly despite the capacity tariff... and not just by spreading your energy consumption.

Everyone digital

With the capacity tariff approaching, how can you maximize the benefit of your energy system with FlexiO without sacrificing your comfort?

First a few things first:

• If you already have a digital meter, it records how much electricity you take from the grid every 15 minutes to calculate your peak power.
• During that quarter, only the average consumption of that quarter counts when calculating your peak time.
• The quarter of a month in which you average the most withdrawals, well, that's your peak moment.
• The minimum peak capacity for those with a digital meter is 2.5 kW. So the capacity tariff is calculated at least according to that 2.5 kW, even if the actual peak is lower.
• Classic counters, with dials, always use a flat peak of 2.5 kW, even if the peak is higher.
• Someone with a digital meter can save more by staggering their consumption. Someone with a traditional meter cannot.

Here you can calculate the capacity tariff for your situation.

Your peak power itself can be found in the customer area of grid operator Fluvius.

Peakshaving?

What should I imagine about 2.5 kW peak consumption?

This is equivalent to vacuuming for 15 minutes at the heaviest setting (900 watts), simultaneously boiling water for 15 minutes (1,100 watts) AND ironing laundry (500 watts).

• Don't panic: your kettle, for example, is never on for 15 minutes, so 2.5 kW is quite something.

If you have a home battery, then it can store the solar energy from your solar panels and thus also smooth out peak consumption (cooking, washing, etc.) during the evening. So if you have solar panels in combination with a home battery, you will see a (hefty) reduction in your capacity tariff.

• Important: In the other direction, i.e., for e.g., electricity you inject into the grid, no capacity tariff is charged.

Maximum benefit

In the video accompanying this post you can see a real scenario based on the calculator on our website and the simulator for calculating the capacity tariff that can be found on the VREG website.

• FlexiO takes into account the capacity rate by keeping monthly peaks as low as possible. By understanding your consumption and production profile, FlexiO will make extra use of your battery to avoid high monthly peaks.
• However, FlexiO is not the magic wand to handle all your peaks. This is technically limited by the capacity of your battery (for example, if you create a peak consumption of 10 kW for 2 hours = consumption of 20 kWh and your battery has a capacity of 10 kWh, then the battery cannot absorb this peak)
• FlexiO will always make the optimal choice between all the parameters that affect your savings. The capacity tariff is only 1 (small) part of that, as this parameter can realize a maximum savings of only €180 per year.

FlexiO takes into account:

• weather forecast
• dynamic rates
• your consumption pattern
• and the wear and tear on your battery

to start optimizing your energy consumption and therefore your peak power.

Above all, remember that FlexiO always strives for the most profitable situation for you.

With the same values entered into the FlexiO calculator, we see in the video that you could save up to three times what you could save by spreading your energy consumption with the capacity tariff alone.

The effort, right?

Questions?

Take a quick look at our FAQ.