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Demand Flexibility

Demand Flexibility​

Demand Flexibility in buildings means consciously changing electricity consumption (and sometimes local production/storage) compared to a normal consumption pattern, in response to price signals or needs in the electricity grid. This can involve:

  • Reducing power draw during short peaks (peak shaving)
  • Shifting load in time (load shifting) – e.g., heating/cooling a bit earlier or later
  • Increasing consumption when there is plenty of cheap electricity (e.g., during high wind/sun) and decreasing when electricity is expensive or the grid is strained

This is used to contribute to a more stable electricity system as the share of weather-dependent production increases, and as electrification drives up the load locally and regionally. An important change starting in the fall of 2025 is that the EU's day-ahead market will shift from hourly pricing to 15-minute trading intervals, making price signals more granular and often more "flex-friendly" (the price is calculated every 15 minutes).

Markets and Compensation – the Playing Field in 2026​

In practice, a property owner can earn money (or save money) on flexibility through three main avenues:

  1. Price control against the electricity market (energy) You optimize against variations in electricity prices (now increasingly in 15-minute resolution in day-ahead).
  2. Support services for balancing (TSO – Svenska kraftnät) Here, resources are delivered into balancing services/support services such as FCR, aFRR, mFRR. This usually requires delivery via (or as) a BSP (Balancing Service Provider), where the BSP is Svenska kraftnät's legal counterparty.
  3. Local flexibility markets (DSO – electricity grid companies) Locally, electricity grid companies can procure flexibility to shave peak loads, mitigate grid capacity shortages, and manage overload. Ei describes that this occurs through market-based methods and that local flexibility markets are developing in several parts of Sweden (e.g., sthlmflex, CoordiNet, etc.).

A clear "2026 signal" is that Ei approved harmonized/standardized market products (capacity and energy activation products) for flexibility services that grid companies can use for market-based purchases, increasing transparency and making the market more predictable for actors.

How to Get Started in a Property​

A "practical" demand flex setup typically includes:

  • Identifying controllable loads (heating, ventilation, cooling, hot water, EV charging, batteries, pumps)
  • Measurement in the right time resolution (at least quarter/15-min is often relevant, sometimes faster for support services)
  • Automatic control with clear limitations for comfort, operation, and guarantees
  • Choice of market/compensation form (price optimization, support services via BSP, local flexibility market via DSO/marketplace)
  • Monitoring and verification: logic for baseline, alarms, and reporting (to be able to get paid and build trust)

Get Paid for Your Flexibility – with Enkey and Solfolket​

Demand flexibility becomes valuable only when it is measurable, controllable, and verifiable. Enkey can contribute with:

  • Data collection and visualization of power/energy in the right resolution
  • Basis for qualifying resources against relevant programs/markets
  • Integrations with control systems and/or collaborations with actors that aggregate and sell flexibility

The goal is for you as a property owner to participate without compromising comfort, operational stability, or regulatory compliance – while simultaneously creating new revenue or lower energy costs. For Demand Flexibility, Enkey AB collaborates with Solfolket which can handle price fluctuations based on your electricity supplier's pricing model. If you have questions or concerns regarding Demand Flexibility, contact Enkey via email.