• Belgium is launching its first energy contracts that pay consumers for supporting the energy grid, transforming households into active participants in grid stability.

• Ghent-based Powernaut enables this new system by connecting energy retailers like Bolt and Trevion with customers' smart installations (solar, batteries, EVs) through smart software.

  
  

• This initiative allows customers to earn money for their energy flexibility without compromising comfort, while also helping to balance the grid and promote renewable energy

In a historic first for the Belgian energy sector, energy retailers are flipping the script on grid stability. For the very first time, households across the nation will not only be able to help balance the energy grid, but they'll also get directly compensated for it – right on their energy bill. This groundbreaking move empowers everyday citizens to play a vital role in the country's energy future, transforming passive consumers into active participants in a smarter, more resilient power system.

This new paradigm is enabled by Ghent-based Powernaut, bridging the gap between energy retailers and their customers’ solar installations, home batteries and EVs with smart software. Retailers Bolt and Trevion are leading the market offering these new types of contracts to everyday people and small businesses. Unlike traditional models, where grid support and feed in tariffs might increase costs, this approach ensures customers see clear savings in their bills.

It's very simple for you as a customer. If you have smart installations or an energy management systems (EMS) installed, you only have to sign up for one of these contracts, and Powernaut's technology works behind the scenes together with your retailer to charge and discharge your devices in smart ways. For instance, on very sunny days, the technology might charge batteries from the grid or reduce your solar panel's output to avoid overloading the grid. Retailers are also able to trade your available energy for you on energy markets. Because of the clever contract, you’re getting money for your flexibility without hurting your comfort.

“We are making it possible for smart home installations to work together and be part of a bigger movement” says Florentijn Degroote, Powernaut's co-founder. “Our products help retailers connect their customers' smart devices, reducing the energy bill and helping the grid at the same time”. 

“We are delighted that we were able to launch this innovative product so quickly in collaboration with Powernaut. Customer demand is clearly evident, and we look forward to rolling it out on a larger scale with all our partners in the coming months” says Thomas Hendrickx , Head of Marketing at Bolt.

“For us as an energy retailer it is essential that we can keep delivering energy to all our customers at an affordable price. With the continued rise of energy costs, there are solutions like this that we have to support from an early stage. Powernaut’s software can help  advance the energy transition towards decentralised assets. Adding an extra revenue model for smaller customers can be the deciding factor for investing in sustainable home installations and that is something that we as a 100% green and local energy retailers fully want to support.” - Nathan de Baets, Business Developer at Trevion.

“At Innovoltus, we are proud to be a part of the solution for the imbalance in the energy market. This is one of the most significant needs for grid operators and energy suppliers, and therefore for society as a whole”, says Innovoltus CEO Lieven Van Crombrugge. “At the same time, we are completing the offering of our Jullix EMS. Thanks to its smart control with various revenue models, consumers enjoy affordability and comfort with the most complete solution on the market. Powernaut’s virtual powerplant is the capstone of that offering.”

“These flexibility services make homes with a Luqas energy management system even smarter: together we balance the grid and create extra savings for the owners.” says Nick de Plus, Business Development Manager at Qbus.

This launch is a positive for grid flexibility in Belgium, making it easier to handle more renewable energy and positioning the country as a leader in smart energy solutions.

About Powernaut

Powernaut helps energy retailers connect to their customer's smart installations such as batteries, solar panels and electrical vehicles. By bundling these into a virtual power plant, energy retailers can reduce grid stress, save on costs and share profit with their customers through the energy supplier bill.

About Bolt

Bolt is Belgium's first energy platform for local green electricity, founded in 2019. Bolt allows consumers to choose a local green energy generator. The platform helps accelerate the transition to green energy in Belgium and currently has more than 230 local energy generators and 109,000 people who consciously choose green regional electricity.

About Trevion

Trevion is a 100% green and local energy retailer for both B2B and B2C customers. Through its sister companies BioGasTec and Trevi Energy, which develops and operates large biogas installations, PV and wind projects, Trevion guarantees energy from Belgian soil.

About Innovoltus

A carefree and energetic future. That’s what we design at Innovoltus. A future where you enjoy comfort, efficiency, and simplicity, thanks to smart technology we design for you. With a complete, automated, and user-friendly EMS (Energy Management System) we solve your current and future energy challenges. This way you enjoy affordability and comfort. Completely worry-free. Save money, save effort, save nature!

About Qbus

Qbus is a Belgian company that has been making homes and buildings smart since 1999. A smart home offers more peace of mind, comfort and consumes less energy. That's our contribution to a better, easier, and more energy-efficient world. Renovations, new builds, large scale projects, residences, stores, houses, apartments... you name it, we do it.