Woolworths cuts costs and carbon with virtual metering

woolworths store front (iberdrola)
Image: Shutterstock

Woolworths has partnered with Enosi and a Queensland energy provider to optimise its electricity costs and emissions using Virtual Net Metering.

Following the success of the initial phase launched in August last year, Enosi’s Powertracer platform now enables Woolworths to optimise its clean electricity usage across a broad network of stores.

Related article: Woolworths inks 100% renewables deal for NSW and ACT

Woolworths now seamlessly matches excess solar from its Townsville distribution centre in 30-minute intervals, with the daytime demand load across seven stores in Townsville and surrounding suburbs, including two Big W stores.

“Our mission is to unlock clean energy for all, ensuring that every unit of electricity generated is put to its most effective use within the Woolworths portfolio,” Enosi CEO Steve Hoy said.

“This partnership with Woolworths demonstrates the power of Virtual Net Metering in making distributed renewable electricity a smarter, lower cost and more sustainable solution for businesses.”

The initial phase has successfully matched 100% of the solar export (more than 400MWh of energy to date) to the participating stores, delivering direct cost benefits and enabling attributed savings of an estimated 250 tonnes of carbon.

Related article: Iberdrola to supply Woolworths with 100% renewable energy in South Australia

The Powertracer platform enables the exchange of excess solar between Woolworths sites, saving costs through the energy provider’s billing system and providing detailed energy attribution insights through its digital portal.

Woolworths group general manager, green energy transition Michael Shelley said, “Our operations are energy intensive. We’re pleased with the results and how this technology supports our green electricity ambition. Optimising ongoing electricity costs and emissions reductions is significant. We are now exploring how to apply this model across in other areas of our national network”.

Previous articleStep on the gas to speed up renewables transition—Huh?
Next articleAlbanese says Labor will back Adelaide to host COP31