TH!NK-E – September 2019
We interviewed Leen Peeters from TH!NK-E, the Belgian energy consultancy in charge of managing the Oud-Heverlee demosite.
Since the project kick-off, what have been the updates in Oud-Heverlee?
The focus had been on engaging the end consumers and selecting the locations for the installations. Activities have been set up including a visit to a large scale wind turbine. End-consumers are getting more engaged and active. They are considering models such as renting PV panels.The project team has been closely engaged with the DSO and regulator to discuss models and price settings. The Oud-Heverlee demonstration managed to collect an amount of money to enable using ghost tariffing to ensure end-consumers could adapt their behaviour to act as if the prices in the community differ from other price settings. The end consumers will be allowed to co-design the models.
What do you think are the most important results since the beginning of the project?
The social aspect is key and paying more attention to that pays off. It brings people together and that is the main driver for participation.
What should we expect in the upcoming months?
Installations are being rolled out. Data is being connected to the central platform. On the social part, a bbq will be organised and several other activities are set up that enable the participants to see the impact.
Why do you like Oud-Heverlee?
A small amount of end consumers was already engaged in a close community. Expanding that now, ensuring all feel part of a group, engaging the older people, getting to know them… It is an extra-ordinary opportunity. All of them have a story worth being told, a neighbourhood should be the place where they tell the story. Energy could be the enabler.