The results are in. After only two years in operation, demand flexibility markets powered by Recurve’s FLEX software platform have scaled rapidly and are actively delivering more than 100 percent of their forecasted grid benefit. 

Recurve’s FLEX platform is designed to streamline procurement of demand flexibility, reduce peak demand, and support grid reliability. The platform’s original market implementation, known as ‘FLEXmarket,’ was built on the core FLEX platform and inspired California’s statewide Market Access Program. Recurve is actively supporting similar measured programs emerging across the country with the advanced analytic capabilities of the platform.

Impacts are delivered through Recurve’s industry-leading FLEX platform, which enables accurate measurement, targeting, eligibility screening, project forecasting, and transparent settlement. 

Markets implemented with the FLEX platform scaled rapidly and delivered results year-round, with significantly increased savings during the summer peak when the avoided costs and payments were highest. The time-valued impacts and performance accountability are included in the program design and operationalized with streamlined software, making it a no-regrets strategy for reducing overall load, improving system flexibility, and reducing cost.

"Recurve provided the most accessibility and transparency in the savings calculations, and one aggregator noted the ease of the eligibility process through Recurve." ODC Process Evaluation 2024

FLEX’s capabilities include dispatchable demand response as well as the ability to reduce and shift energy consumption out of peak with long-term load modification through upgrades to building infrastructure such as HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, and controls. These projects save customers money and reduce peak load not just in year one but for the life of the equipment.

The other key innovation provided by Recurve FLEX is embedded rate-payer protection, which was one of the reasons the solution was selected for emergency reliability.  Every dollar paid to aggregators is anchored in the total value of the measured performance at the meter and validated using transparent, open-source algorithms. The payment compensates for the value of avoided energy, capacity, transmission, and distribution expenses, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions for each hour of the year — no black boxes for market participants. Rate-payers only pay for the value actually delivered.  Participating customers also benefit from direct bill savings, comfort, and the many other things they care about when they do a project. The portfolio is currently delivering 102% of its forecasted value — an extremely high realization rate compared to traditional programs run without Recurve’s platform.

The Next Chapter

VPP solutions represent a significant reimagining of deploying behind-the-meter resources to support short- and long-term grid and climate goals. The speed with which utilities and LSEs have been able to launch and scale these markets and the positive reception from aggregators and customers alike is proof that Recurve’s FLEX platform is viable, scalable, and has the potential to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in avoided cost savings across the country.  

Get in touch to learn how you can leverage the FLEX platform to scale demand flexibility in your area and contribute to a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy system. 

Contact us today!

[Note: this blog is updated from a post that was previously published on August 16th, 2023]

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