VIO Flex GRID 101: Frequently Asked Questions
In today’s rapidly changing energy landscape, businesses are increasingly seeking innovative ways to manage their energy consumption more efficiently, reduce costs, and meet sustainability goals. VIO Flex GRID (VIO Flex Grid Resilience Investment and Development) is a comprehensive solution from VIOTAS, designed to help businesses achieve all of these objectives while contributing to a more resilient energy grid.
VIO Flex GRID provides market leading revenue streams to customer sites that are investing in new flexibility assets, such as low emissions backup generators and Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Whether you are looking to avoid power outages, integrate renewable energy, or participate in demand response programs for additional revenue, VIO Flex GRID offers the flexibility and advanced tools you need. By leveraging cutting-edge onsite flexibility assets such as battery storage systems, low-emission backup generators, e-heating systems and real-time energy management, VIO Flex GRID ensures that businesses not only adapt to today’s energy challenges but thrive in the long term.
In this FAQ guide, we will dive into the key aspects of VIO Flex GRID, explaining how it provides energy flexibility, supports sustainable energy solutions, and helps businesses enhance grid resilience while optimising their operations for future growth. Whether you’re new to energy management solutions or exploring ways to improve your existing systems, this guide will provide a clear understanding of the powerful benefits VIO Flex GRID offers.
What is VIO Flex GRID and how does it provide Energy Flexibility?
VIO Flex GRID is an asset development program being introduced by VIOTAS to the Irish energy market. Sites which are installing new flexible assets, such as low emissions backup generation systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), electric boilers or heat pumps, can earn market-leading revenues over a 12-year timeframe. The program is specifically intended for new assets being installed before October 2027. Assets can be financed by the customer or alternatively, VIOTAS can provide funded assets to qualifying candidate sites. Contact us for more information.
How does VIO Flex GRID ensure Grid Resilience?
Grid resilience refers to the ability of the electricity grid to withstand and recover from unexpected disruptions, such as extreme weather events or sudden spikes in energy demand. VIO Flex GRID enhances grid resilience by empowering businesses to switch to state-of-the-art, low emissions backup power systems during these critical times, thereby taking pressure off the grid for a brief period. Specifically, VIO Flex GRID utilises state of the art, low emissions backup power generators and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), meaning the grid will be supported by clean, reliable backup systems at all times.
How does VIO Flex GRID contribute to Sustainability?
VIO Flex GRID helps address one of the key challenges in renewable energy: its natural fluctuations. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent – they don’t produce power consistently throughout the day. This creates periods where the grid may face shortages if renewable sources are unavailable, leading to reliance on traditional power plants, such as coal or gas, to fill the gap.
The VIO Flex GRID program enables businesses to adjust their grid demand, not only during peak demand times but also when there is an excess supply of renewable energy on the grid. For instance, during times when wind energy production is high and demand is low, businesses can increase their energy consumption or store excess renewable power using battery systems. This helps prevent grid imbalances, ensuring that the surplus energy is efficiently utilised rather than wasted. This flexibility encourages further adaption of renewables, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy infrastructure.
What financial benefits can VIO Flex GRID offer my business?
VIO Flex GRID provides businesses with several key financial benefits.
Here’s how:
1. Earn the highest payments from demand response:
VIO Flex GRID allows your business to earn top-tier payments by participating in VIOTAS’ market leading demand response program. With guaranteed payments for up to 12 years, your business can generate a reliable income stream while helping stabilise the grid.
2. Reduce energy costs:
By shifting energy usage to off-peak hours or relying on stored power, your business can significantly reduce energy bills, cutting operational costs over time.
3. Avoid high infrastructure costs:
By managing energy usage more efficiently with VIO Flex GRID, your business can avoid costly investments in additional power capacity or infrastructure upgrades, saving capital in the long term.
What is Demand Response?
Demand Response, also known as Demand Side Response, is a program that allows businesses to earn revenue from the grid operator by adjusting electricity use based on the current needs of the grid. When the grid is experiencing high demand, such as during a heatwave or a large-scale event, business can reduce their energy usage or shift it to non-peak times. In return, they receive financial incentives, such as payment or lower energy costs. This not only helps prevent grid overload but also provides businesses with an additional revenue stream.
Which businesses should participate in VIO Flex GRID?
VIO Flex GRID is ideal for businesses with high energy demands or those that prioritise operational resilience and cost savings. Examples include:
- Data Centres: With their critical need for uninterrupted power, data centres can use VIO Flex GRID to manage energy consumption efficiently, avoid outages, and generate revenue through demand response while relying on backup power systems during grid stress.
- Manufacturing facilities: Manufacturing plants with heavy machinery and high energy use can participate in demand response to reduce energy costs during peak periods. VIO Flex GRID supports these facilities by integrating battery storage and backup generators, allowing them to stay productive even during grid disruptions.
- Hospitals and Healthcare providers: Healthcare facilities must maintain uninterrupted power to ensure patient care. VIO Flex GRID enables hospitals to participate in demand response without compromising operations, while backup systems ensure power reliability during outages.
- Commercial buildings: Large office buildings, shopping centres, and other commercial properties can lower their energy bills and earn revenue by participating in demand response. VIO Flex GRID helps them optimise energy use while ensuring energy flexibility during peak periods.
- Warehousing and Logistics: Warehouses and logistics centres, which require energy for lighting refrigeration, and machinery, can use VIO Flex GRID to keep operations running smoothly during grid outages. This program helps them cut costs and generate revenue through efficient energy management.
See how other industries can benefit:
To check if your business is suitable to participate in this program, contact us today for a personalised consultation and find out how VIO Flex GRID can benefit your operations.
Can VIOTAS fund assets for participation in VIO Flex GRID?
VIOTAS offer a unique opportunity for businesses to upgrade their energy infrastructure by providing free low-emission backup generators as a part of this program.
To qualify for free generators through VIO Flex GRID, contact us for a free consultation. Our team will assess your business’s energy needs and determine your eligibility for the program. By joining VIO Flex GRID, you will not only receive complimentary backup generators but also gain access to long-term energy savings and revenue opportunities.
Don’t miss the chance to strengthen your business’s energy infrastructure while saving money with VIO Flex GRID’s generator offer!
How much is the setup cost for VIO Flex GRID?
A key benefit of the VIO Flex GRID program is that there is no upfront setup cost for eligible businesses. VIOTAS takes care of the installation and upgrades energy flexible assets and necessary equipment. This allows your business to access advanced energy management solutions without the burden of a large initial investment.
Instead of facing hefty infrastructure costs, your business can immediately begin participating in demand response programs, earning revenue, and enhancing operational reliability while contributing to a sustainable future.
To find out if your business qualifies for the no-cost setup, contact us today for more information.
How much can my business earn with VIO Flex GRID?
The amount your business can earn through the VIO Flex GRID program varies depending on several factors, including your energy usage, the size of your facility, and how actively you participate in demand response events. On average, businesses can earn thousands of euros annually by participating in VIO Flex GRID, with higher rewards for those with larger energy demands or those who consistently participate in demand response events. Additionally, the program offers up to 12 years of guaranteed payments, providing a reliable long-term revenue stream.
For a more accurate estimate of how much your business can earn, contact us for a personalised consultation. We will assess your energy profile and potential earnings based on your specific operations and participation level.
VIO Flex GRID is more than just a flexible energy program—it’s a strategic approach that helps businesses reduce energy costs, enhance operational resilience, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Whether you are looking to prevent costly power outages, participate in demand response programs, or integrate renewable energy into your operations, VIO Flex GRID offers the tools and technologies to help you succeed.
If you have any other questions or would like to learn more about how your business can benefit from VIO Flex GRID, contact us today! We are here to help you explore your opinions and tailor the program to your specific needs.
