20210505 Press release OSO Energy

OSO releases the power in water heaters with OSO Charge

Hot water is an important part of health and well-being. OSO water heaters have provided comfort to millions of Norwegians since 1932, and now OSO products will also help solve major challenges in the power grid such as blue batteries. OSO has developed a control unit for generators which, in addition to improved economy and control for the consumer, also has unique functions for energy management that provide flexibility in the distribution network.

OSO CHARGE has primarily been developed for the enjoyment of OSO's customers. The new control unit enables tariff management of the boiler, so that heating of the boiler is moved to times of the day when the electricity price is low, and the energy cost for OSO's customers is as low as possible. The integration with the network company will also help to keep the network rent for Norwegian consumers as low as possible. As part of the OSO CHARGE products, a simple mobile app has been developed that gives the user full control over consumption and insight into how it is possible to save electricity. You can also see how much hot water is available in the boiler at any given time, and set OSO CHARGE in holiday mode to further reduce electricity consumption.

Kristin Lian, managing director of Elvia and OSO owner Sigurd Braathen. Photo: Mortne Schau

OSO is currently participating in several projects in Norway and internationally to demonstrate the utility of water heaters as flexibility resources in the power grid, including a project at Biri with Elvia, Norway's largest grid company. Increased electrification and a large degree of simultaneous energy consumption is a social challenge and often the reason why the power grid must be upgraded, even if the increased load is only for short periods of the day.

"We want to distribute our customers' electricity consumption throughout the day to avoid consumption peaks and ensure a more stable network. Network development is an expensive solution for challenges that occur for short periods at a time. A more cost-effective solution could be to make the network more flexible. This will save money both for the customer, society and the company." - Kristin Lian, CEO of Elvia

Alf Inge Tunheim, Project manager for R&D in Elvia and OSO owner Sigurd Braathen.

OSO Charge is the result of 8 years of development in close collaboration with internationally leading technology companies. This has resulted in a secured communication and control technology for water heaters for use in load shifting and functionality towards the power grid. The water heater can be switched off when there is a heavy load on the mains without compromising safety and comfort for the consumer. OSO Charge will function as a cost-effective alternative to strengthening the power grid locally, regionally and nationally. There are over 2 million boilers in Norwegian homes, and OSO Charge will be able to be retrofitted to a selection of newer OSO boilers that have already been installed.

"OSO's most important task for 90 years has been to supply hot water and comfort for our customers. We will continue to prioritize that. With OSO Charge, we can also give our customers the opportunity to reduce their electricity bill, without reduced comfort thanks to innovative and unique solutions. When differentiation of electricity prices in Norway is in place, OSO Charge will be able to seamlessly and easily help the user to achieve the lowest possible heating costs, and at the same time assist the electricity grid in the best possible way. It is environmental protection in practice, as costly developments and interventions in Norwegian nature can be avoided as a result of OSO Charge's flexibility. We are proud of." - Sigurd Braathen, owner of OSO

OSO Charge water heater with OSO inCharge mobile app

Key Features OSO CHARGE:

  • Price-optimized hot water and comfort for the consumer
  • Stainless water heater with a long service life and high storage temperature
  • Price optimization / tariff management in relation to electricity prices
  • Precise estimation of energy level / capacity
  • Mobile app for control and information
    • Configurable consumption profiles
    • Overview of hot water consumption
    • Vacation mode for when you're away
  • Secure connection via wifi or mobile IoT network
  • Support for external sensors
  • Standardized API for integration with grid companies / energy management systems

About OSO

OSO is Europe's leading manufacturer of stainless water heaters and market leader in Norway for 90 years. OSO is a Norwegian-owned family business with high-tech production in Norway, 200 employees and turnover of approx. NOK 600. The company is a pioneer in environmental work with 50 years of efforts for minimal resource use, high energy efficiency and extreme product life, in addition to a number of external environmental measures. As one of the world's first manufacturers of stainless steel boilers, OSO has delivered all innovations in boiler technology on the Norwegian market. 

OSO Energy is a part of OSO Hotwater Group.

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