Australian start-up EnergyFlex launches energy management app

EnergyFlex, an Australian start-up, has officially launched its inaugural energy management app. The company, known for its focus on energy analytics and renewables education, emerged from stealth mode today. It aims to assist both households and businesses in reducing energy costs and carbon footprints while benefiting from the renewable energy transition.

The EnergyFlex app employs Consumer Data Right (CDR)-protected smart meter data to help consumers optimise their energy consumption. By adjusting the timing of their energy usage to coincide with renewable energy availability, users can lower their energy expenses. The app is designed to be accessible to a broad audience and is available free of charge.

The app calculates an EnergyFlex Rating, graded out of five, which indicates the extent to which users rely on renewable energy versus fossil fuels. A lower rating signifies a higher dependence on fossil fuels, whereas a higher rating reflects more substantial use of renewable sources, either from the grid or through on-site electricity generation.

EnergyFlex was co-founded by Garry Harding and Craig Phasey, both former members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The app has been in development for several years, including six months of real-world testing.

"EnergyFlex enables anyone to transform their energy usage into an asset, rather than a liability, by changing the timing of their energy use," said Garry Harding. "We bring these capabilities to any size or style of consumer – for free – helping them think differently about sustainability and futureproof their operations in an evolving energy market."

One early success story comes from Beefy's, a bakery on the Sunshine Coast. The bakery's use of the EnergyFlex app resulted in an 18 per cent reduction in annual energy bills, a 40 per cent reduction in demand charges, and a reduction of 23 tonnes of carbon emissions. Their EnergyFlex Rating improved from 3.1 to 3.3, illustrating their increased utilization of renewable energy.

EnergyFlex's lead investor is Glenn Keys AO, Founder and Executive Chair of Aspen Medical. Keys described his investment as a logical approach to addressing climate change. "EnergyFlex makes it possible for everyday consumers to take climate action at a personal level, rather than wait for others to address it," Keys added.

In addition, EnergyFlex has entered into a referral agreement with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). This partnership aims to empower CBA's small business customers to embrace the renewable energy transition, improve business resilience, and enhance viability. As part of the agreement, EnergyFlex will be incorporated into CBA's award-winning Sustainability Action Tool (SAT), providing businesses with a means to understand their carbon footprint and explore sustainable options free of charge.

The EnergyFlex app offers several key features:

• Personalised insights: Users can learn about their energy usage patterns and how these impact both their bills and carbon emissions.
• Actionable recommendations: The app provides suggestions ranging from no-cost changes to investment-level modifications aimed at improving the EnergyFlex Rating, lowering energy bills, and reducing carbon emissions.
• Progress tracking: Users can monitor how changes in their energy habits affect their EnergyFlex Rating over time.
• Tailored expert advice: EnergyFlex offers 1:1 consultations with energy experts who can assess users' energy profiles and suggest ways to enhance the value of their energy assets.

The EnergyFlex app is now available for download on the Apple and Google Play stores. It allows users to get their personalised EnergyFlex Rating and start their journey towards more efficient and sustainable energy usage.