Electron, a provider of energy flexibility platforms, has acquired Rhythmos.io, a U.S.-based innovator in distributed energy resource detection and grid analysis. This acquisition aims to enhance visibility into behind-the-meter DERs, such as EVs and rooftop solar. It helps utility companies optimize DERs for grid capacity expansion without costly grid upgrades and manage growing electrification demand.

Growing Challenges for Utilities

The rapid rise of EVs, battery storage, and rooftop solar is stressing the grid infrastructure. Utility companies face challenges, such as

  • Locating these distributed resources
  • Quantifying their impact on the grid
  • Managing their load by effectively deploying them

The grid visibility and data-driven insights allow modern utilities to shift from reactive to a proactive strategy. It helps them achieve reliability, integrate new renewable energy sources, and optimize operations.

Details of the Acquisition

The acquisition integrates grid visibility and flexibility orchestration by combining the strengths of

  • Rythmos –  enhanced grid visibility, detection of DERs, and edge analytics
  • Electron – a flexibility marketplace and value orchestration technology

The acquisition helps to bridge the gap between grid visibility and DER deployment.

Technology Description

Value orchestration for utilities is a technology that uses AI, data, and analytics to coordinate between DERs, processes, and stakeholders for efficiency and reliability across the grid network.

The orchestration technology from the combined company can be used to identify and measure the impact of DERs (EVs and batteries) on different grid components, such as transformers and substations. It will plan the deployment of resources through the marketplace at maximum value for utilities and DER providers.

Additionally, it will help utilities justify to regulators about infrastructure-related decisions by providing regulatory-grade data.  This is critical in situations where utilities need to decide between upgrading or replacing grid assets.

Research Insights

A study by the U.S. Department of Energy indicates that grid-aware optimization of local energy resources could result in 10% to 30% savings in the entire energy system, totaling about $10 billion in annual savings.  Another study conducted by Rhythmos indicates that utilities could save $7 billion to $9 billion in transformer upgrade costs by optimizing the EV charging at the distribution grid level.

The results of the above two studies suggest that the grid optimization for DERs could defer infrastructure investment and unnecessary expansion to help prevent rising consumer electricity prices.

Industry Implications

The orchestration technologies work along with existing Virtual Power Plant platforms, demand response management systems, and aggregation platforms, rather than replacing them. It incorporates grid-aware price signals to coordinate activation of these resources to increase DER value. It also helps utilities with regulatory compliance through the required visibility and control.

Advancing Toward a Smarter and More Resilient Energy Future

The acquisition represents a step towards building a more intelligent, flexible, and data-powered grid. The partnership enables utilities to make cost-effective grid investment decisions while maximizing DER value.. The project is expected to enhance grid resilience and efficiency, and support the shift toward a decentralized energy system.

The integration of Rhythmos with the Electron positions both companies at the forefront of grid modernization efforts.