Flexible Demand Shapes

One of the key pillars Crux Energy focuses on as we navigate a rational energy future is efficiency and resource stewardship.

We believe every energy system should make the best possible use of the resources it has. That means prioritizing energy efficiency, demand management, and systems optimization before reaching for costly expansions. Rational energy systems reduce waste and invest where the marginal value is highest.

The crux of this (see what I did there?), is that marginal value may change, depending on what particular problem a grid is trying to solve for at any given time. And having a flexible system that optimizes demand management must means shifting loads in both the short term and the long term.

The Rise of the Energy Smart Home by Clean Energy Canada did a great job of visualizing exactly what this means, and how flexible demand can work in all time horizons.

The Shimmy

Quick, short-term adjustments. Think batteries or water heaters responding in seconds to stabilize the grid. This is about agility when the system needs it most.

The Shed

Curtail load during peaks or emergencies. Commercial and industrial loads can dial back consumption to prevent outages and reduce reliance on fossil peakers.

The Shift

Moves usage to times when renewables are abundant and rates are low. EV chargers and smart appliances make this easy—and it saves households money.

The Shape

Structural changes over time. Efficiency upgrades like heat pumps permanently lower baseline demand, cutting costs and emissions for decades.

We will keep sharing the best information we can find to help shape a rational energy future. Have questions or suggestions? Don’t hesitate to reach out info@cruxenergy.ca