Cooldown Beta
Introduction
Oaktree Power is working with SP Electricity North West (SPENW) on an innovative Demand Side Response (DSR) flexibility pilot for next summer.
The CoolDown Innovation Project is designed to help commercial buildings turn their cooling systems into valuable flexibility assets. By intelligently reducing energy consumption during peak-demand periods, businesses can lower costs, generate new revenue streams, and support the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
Client Background
Rising summer temperatures are driving increased use of cooling systems across commercial and Retail buildings. This surge in demand places significant strain on the UK electricity network, particularly during peak hours.
At the same time, the SP ENW is actively seeking flexible demand solutions to maintain system stability. Businesses that can temporarily reduce their electricity usage during these periods are financially rewarded, creating a unique opportunity to align operational efficiency with sustainability goals.
The CoolDown project was developed to explore how buildings can contribute to grid flexibility while gaining deeper insights into cooling behaviour and performance.
Challenge
Commercial and retail buildings face a growing set of challenges:
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Rising energy costs driven by increased cooling demand
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Grid constraints during peak periods, particularly in the summer months
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Limited visibility into how cooling systems respond to external factors like temperature
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Pressure to decarbonise without compromising occupant comfort or operational performance
Many organisations lack the tools and infrastructure to actively manage their energy demand in real time or participate in flexibility markets
OakTree Power's Solution
Oaktree Power enables businesses to unlock the hidden flexibility in their existing assets, such as chillers, fans, compressors, and air-handling units, through a simple, low-disruption approach.
Using Oaktree’s proprietary technology and real-time demand flexibility platform, participating buildings can:
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Automatically or manually reduce cooling demand during peak grid events
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Respond to up to eight 60-minute events per month during the summer period (May–September)
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Leverage the “Acorn” data and control hardware to optimise energy usage in real time
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Access AI-driven insights into energy consumption and cooling performance
Two participation options are available:
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Automatic events – Oaktree remotely adjusts air conditioning systems via installed hardware, with operations returning to normal automatically
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Manual events – Oaktree sends notifications, and site teams implement adjustments directly
This flexible approach ensures minimal disruption while maximising participation and value.
The outcome
Through the CoolDown Innovation Project, participating businesses can achieve:
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Significant financial returns – earnings per MW flex during the summer period
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Reduced energy consumption – lowering operational costs and improving efficiency
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Carbon savings – contributing to measurable emissions reductions
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Grid support – helping stabilise the electricity network during peak demand
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Actionable insights – gaining a deeper understanding of cooling behaviour and performance
In addition, participants become part of a forward-thinking innovation study, positioning their organisation as a leader in sustainability and energy flexibility.
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For further information on how OakTree Power can transform your energy landscape, contact our team today.
