Piclo, a global marketplace for flexibility services and market access, has been selected by leading distribution network service providers (DNSPs) CitiPower and Powercor to implement a cloud-based local flexibility platform in Victoria, Australia.

This move marks Piclo’s entry into the Australian energy market, contributing to Victoria’s ongoing energy transition amid population growth, home electrification, and the rise of electric vehicles.

Piclo’s flexibility marketplace, Piclo Flex, empowers network service providers like Powercor to procure flexible electricity from sellers during periods of high demand or low supply.

This approach not only helps alleviate constraints and reduce costs for networks serving customers but also aids in grid decarbonisation by providing flexible electricity over costly bulk power from traditional fossil fuel sources.

CitiPower and Powercor collectively provide electricity to approximately 1.27 million Victorian homes and businesses in Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD), inner suburbs, and about two-thirds of regional Victoria.

Through the partnership with Piclo, these providers will explore third-party solutions to address network constraints, seeking flexible capacity across their networks.

Piclo CEO and Co-founder James Johnston, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting Australia’s rapid energy transition and the potential of distributed energy resources.

He described the collaboration as a significant milestone for Australia as it embarks on its flexibility journey.

CitiPower and Powercor Head of Network Planning Andrew Dinning commented on Piclo’s track record with other networks globally, expressing anticipation for the partnership in 2024.

He noted that the project would enhance the providers’ capabilities as a Distribution System Operator and enable them to address network constraints more effectively.

“Having seen Piclo’s work with other networks internationally, we’re excited to partner with them in 2024. This project will help to further develop our own capabilities as a Distribution System Operator and open more of our network constraints to build the market for flex in Australia,” said Dinning.

Currently operating in six global markets, Piclo serves all six Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in the UK, the Transmission System Operator (TSO), as well as networks in Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and the United States.

With a strong presence in the UK and growing influence in Europe, the US, and Asia-Pacific, Piclo is at the forefront of enabling grid flexibility and supporting sustainable energy transitions worldwide.

CitiPower and Powercor play a crucial role in transporting electricity to and from over 1.27 million homes and businesses across various regions in Victoria, illustrating the significance of the partnership in advancing grid flexibility and supporting sustainable energy practices in Australia.