Helping St Mark’s College make educated energy decisions
Case study overview:
South Australian residential university college, St Mark’s College, is using Flow Power’s unique plans and contract features to optimise its energy strategy.
“Flow Power is a step up from other providers.”
Richard Foster, Property Manager
Moving beyond fixed price contracts
Before switching to Flow Power, St Mark’s College was locked into a fixed price electricity contract with another energy provider.
While this contract structure offered consistent pricing, it didn’t pass on any benefit from the cheaper energy available on the wholesale market during daytime hours and there was no guidance about how to optimise the energy used on-site.
Like many other schools, colleges and universities, electricity contracting had become a ‘set and forget’ routine. The contract was signed once a year, and then remained out of mind until the next contract renewal period.
Making the switch to Flow Power
In May 2022, St Mark’s College made the switch to Flow Power, seeking additional value from its electricity contract.
When asked about the experience switching to Flow Power, Richard Foster, Property Manager at St Mark’s College, described the experience as “a steep learning curve” made worthwhile thanks to Flow Power’s “value-added parts of the relationship.”
South Australian Building Intelligent Demand Response Trial
St Mark’s College is also involved in the South Australian Building Intelligent Demand Response Trial (SABIDR). The program is helping prevent blackouts in South Australia and across the National Energy Market, while putting businesses back in control of energy costs.
Did you know: Flow Power’s Demand Response team also recently won Energy Efficiency Council‘s Leading Energy Management Innovation Award for 2024 as part of the SABIDR trial?
Thanks to Energy Ready analysis, the team identified the value of performing solar ramp down with the existing solar PV system on-site. This helped improve St Mark’s College’s monthly Price Efficiency Adjustment and helps reduce strain on the South Australian grid.
The Energy Ready team also identified a better tariff deal, helping the College save money with a simple switch.
Flow Power is continuing to assist with complex data collection to optimise energy strategy further. The campus has 10 different buildings spread across around 32 distribution boards which makes data collection more challenging. Once collected, this data will allow the team to continue optimising efficiency and begin feasibility studies for future behind–the–meter solutions.
“St Mark’s student Environmental Officers are engaging regularly with their fellow collegians, promoting behaviours to implement positive long-term change.”
Ellie Akehurst, Student Environmental Officer – St Mark’s College
Powering ahead with plans for the future
Although St Mark’s College has secured an energy deal with Flow Power until 2025, plans are already in discussion for the future of energy at the College.
Considerations include a PPA, to allow it to match its usage with 100% renewable energy, and potentially a behind-the-meter battery energy storage system, helping reduce reliance on grid energy and avoid peak demand periods in the evening.
Flow Power is excited to continue working with St Mark’s College on further optimising its energy strategy, navigating the rapidly changing energy market and helping the next generation engage with smarter ways to use energy.
We’re here to help.
Speak to Flow Power’s energy specialists today to find the right solution for your school, college or university.