Large consumer energy

If so, you may be a large consumer of energy. In this context, it's not just about the amount of energy you purchase, but also how you deploy and manage it.

A large consumer often operates within sectors or activities with high energy demands, such as industrial processes, large office buildings or other sizeable business locations. By consciously thinking about different energy solutions, you can not only optimize costs but also reduce your impact on the environment.

When are you a wholesale consumer?

You are a large consumer of energy once you have a connection that is larger than what is usually considered "small consumption," for example, an electricity connection above 3x80 amps or a gas withdrawal above a certain limit. In such a case, you consume more energy than an average household or small business setting.

Whereas a small consumer mainly deals with relatively predictable and limited peaks in energy demand, a large consumer deals with long-term or high peaks in off-take. As a result, not only is your total consumption higher, but the way you approach network operators and enter into your contracts differs greatly from that of smaller customers. For example, you may have to deal with different rates, regulations and concerns around peak capacity, energy management and monitoring.

A suitable energy connection

As a wholesale consumer, the size of your energy connection is critical to providing optimal energy to your business or organization. A connection that is too small can cause voltage problems and unexpected peak loads, while a connection that is too large incurs unnecessary costs. Therefore, it is important to think about your expected consumption and patterns of peak loads so that you choose a connection that is exactly right for your situation.

How you arrange an appropriate connection depends, among other things, on the sector you operate in, the size of your operations and the flexibility you need. Consultation with the grid operator or an energy expert is often necessary to determine the right capacity. By investigating in time which connection suits your consumption and plans, you avoid having to scale up or down later, which can again cause costs and technical complications.

Challenges for energy wholesale customers

As a wholesale consumer, you face a number of specific challenges in terms of energy supply. These include not only making optimal use of your capacity, but also effectively managing peak voltages and meeting the requirements set by the grid operator. The points below illustrate the biggest challenges you may face.

• Peak loads: high peak loads can lead to higher costs and additional pressure on the power grid.
• Continuity and reliability: providing stable power generation and supply is essential, especially for business processes that must not fail.
• Flexibility in supply and demand: adjusting your consumption to fluctuations in energy markets requires insight and quick decisions.
• Cost control: higher energy prices and grid connection costs make efficient consumption and smart contracting essential.
• Environmental commitments: meeting sustainability goals often requires investment in clean sources and reduction of carbon emissions.

It takes a strategic approach to meet all these factors while ensuring your business continuity. By responding to these challenges in time, you can save costs in the long term and organize your energy supply in the best possible way.

The role of energy storage in large-scale consumption

For large consumers, energy storage can play a crucial role in optimizing their energy use and costs. Using battery systems, for example, you can smooth peak loads(peak shaving) by storing energy when demand and rates are lower, and deploying it during expensive peak times.

In addition, energy storage systems offer the opportunity to participate in various energy markets, such as demand-side management or balancing programs, allowing you not only to have more control over your own consumption but also to generate revenue by offering you flexibility.

In addition to peak shaving and participation in energy markets, energy storage contributes to a more stable energy supply. In the event of power outages or fluctuations in the grid, you can use the stored energy to keep important business processes running. This increases the reliability of your electricity supply and provides the flexibility needed for growth or changing conditions in the future.

Regulations for large consumers

For wholesale consumers, many countries have specific laws and regulations governing the supply, distribution and rates of electricity and gas. In Belgium, for example, these rules are laid down in the Electricity Act and the Gas Act. These laws determine, among other things, the conditions for disconnecting a wholesale consumer connection, the provisions surrounding network operators and the possible tariffs for transport and distribution.

As a wholesale consumer, you face additional obligations in terms of metering obligations, billing and monitoring. For example, you may have to periodically submit certain consumption data or require an advanced metering installation that accurately measures both total consumption and peak loads.

The regulations surrounding large-scale consumption are aimed not only at keeping the grid stable, but also at providing transparency about costs and responsibilities. So you know where you stand and can work in a targeted way to optimize your energy consumption.

Looking for a smart energy wholesale solution?

Do you want to get a better grip on your energy consumption and a future-proof approach for your wholesale situation? Then now is the time to discover how you can save costs and contribute to more sustainable energy management with the right measures and technology. By choosing a high-quality and user-friendly energy solution, you take an important step towards more efficient consumption and a more stable energy supply.

Are you curious about how to do that in concrete terms? Then get acquainted with Frax's plug-and-play battery storage systems. With these you optimize your energy needs, reduce peak loads and ensure a reliable, flexible energy supply. Contact us today to find out how Frax products can help you take your large-scale consumption to the next level and get a better grip on your energy consumption.