As the electric grid evolves, so do the opportunities for customers to play a more active role in supporting it. That's the idea behind adding Flex to the Efficiency Works portfolio of customer energy programs. Developed in response to growing customer interest in participating in the energy transition in tangible ways at home, Efficiency Works Flex helps customers manage energy use more efficiently while supporting a reliable, affordable and sustainable electric system for the communities Platte River serves.
What is Flex?
Flex helps customers shift when they use energy without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Through connected devices such as smart thermostats and, soon, electric vehicles (EVs), customers can earn incentives while helping support the electric grid.
The customer offering aligns with Platte River's broader strategy of preparing for growing energy demand and increasing renewable energy resources. By encouraging energy use when electricity is more available and reducing demand during peak periods, Flex helps make better use of existing resources while supporting long-term reliability.
As Zach Borton, distributed energy resources services manager, puts it, "When thousands of customers participate, those small changes add up to a meaningful resource for the grid."
Behind the launch of Flex Thermostat
The first Flex offering, Flex Thermostat, was the result of extensive collaboration across Platte River departments, our owner communities and our implementation partner, EnergyHub.
According to Kali Osborn and Claudia Farfan-Loroño, distributed energy solutions program managers, one of the primary goals was to create a customer experience that was simple, intuitive and easy to participate in. The team worked through technology integration, customer communications, program design and testing while ensuring customer comfort remained a top priority.
The effort brought together experts from across Platte River's energy programs, planning, operations and business support functions, along with partners in all four owner communities. One of the biggest lessons learned was that simplicity drives participation: clear communication, streamlined enrollment and automated participation help build customer confidence and long-term engagement.
How Flex Thermostat works
Kali and Claudia describe Flex Thermostat as a simple way for customers to support grid reliability while earning incentives. Customers enroll an eligible smart thermostat, keep the device connected to the internet and participate automatically in occasional demand response events.
A demand response event is a time when the grid needs a little extra help. During these periods, participating thermostats make small, temporary temperature adjustments designed to reduce electricity demand while maintaining comfort. Customers remain in control and can opt out at any time.
In return, participants receive enrollment and annual incentives while helping support a more reliable and sustainable energy system.
Next up: Flex EV
The next Flex offering will focus on managed EV charging. EVs are one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand, but they also offer significant flexibility because vehicles are typically parked much longer than the time required to charge.
Customers will enroll a compatible vehicle or charger and select when they need their vehicle ready. The program will then automatically optimize charging within that window, helping shift charging away from peak-demand periods while ensuring the vehicle is ready when needed.
Like Flex Thermostat, Flex EV is designed to be a "set it and forget it" experience that rewards customers for participation.
Looking ahead
Flex is just the beginning. Platte River is continuing to expand participation, evaluate performance and explore future opportunities.
"The future of Flex is all about opportunity and technology," said Bryce Brady, manager, distributed energy solutions. "By connecting different technologies, we can create significant value, from money to megawatts, for both Platte River and owner community customers."
The launch of Flex reflects the collaboration and dedication of employees across Platte River, all four owner communities and vendor partners. These efforts built a strong foundation for programs that will help customers become active partners in creating a more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy future.