New technologies are changing how we generate and use energy, and the opportunities emerging for CS Energy’s Retail customers are enormous.
“Our direct customers are large commercial and industrial businesses with high energy loads,” said CS Energy’s Customer Energy Resources Analyst Tim Owen, who joined CS Energy in late 2024.
“My role focuses on identifying energy resources such as solar inverters, batteries, and generators that can support the power grid and unlock financial benefits for both customers and CS Energy.
“I also explore how flexible energy loads can be adjusted to reduce peak demand.”
A key part of Tim’s work involves analysing usage patterns, monitoring platforms, and equipment manifests to determine the viability of integrating these resources into CS Energy’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
“By centrally controlling and coordinating these assets for our customers, our VPP enhances grid stability while lowering energy costs,” Tim said.
“My work contributes to the planning and development of VPP infrastructure, ensuring compliance with CS Energy’s strict safety and cybersecurity protocols.
“This is a really important process – laying a solid foundation from the start creates a reliable and secure system that benefits both CS Energy and our customers.”
Tim started his career as an electrician, specialising in preventative and reactive maintenance in electro-mechanical systems.
A deep interest in renewables led to further studies in the field and after gaining experience in solar installation, he transitioned into a role supporting customers with solar-and-battery VPPs.
“There, I monitored and administered the integrated battery energy storage system (BESS) and VPP, providing technical support to end users and technicians.
“It was a rewarding and challenging experience in an emerging industry.
“Looking ahead, I aim to continue to expand my expertise in energy optimisation, helping shape the future of energy management.”
Emerging technologies and shifting patterns
New and emerging technologies have seen big strides made in the energy sector, and Tim has had a front row seat to see how it’s impacting energy consumption.
“One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is the transition from purely grid-connected solar to incorporating battery storage,” he said.
“This has led energy consumers to better understand their own energy consumption, and the broader dynamics of energy supply and demand.
“That means more people are now understanding that when they are using electricity can be more important than how much energy they are using.
“Timing is key; shifting usage from peak demand period helps stabilise the grid and lower overall costs.
“I've become more mindful of peak demand times myself, too; For instance, I schedule my dishwasher to run during daylight hours, making the most of surplus solar energy in the grid.”
gaining new insights at cs energy
Coming to CS Energy has been an eye-opening experience, Tim said, as he has gained new insights into the electricity market and how CS Energy operates within it through its Trading and Retail arms.
“I had the opportunity to support the Trading team with an existing demand response system, and identify ways to improve its efficiency,” he said.
“Coming from a technical background, I’ve found the market and financial aspects of energy management fascinating. The Trading team has been incredibly generous with their time, helping me understand these complexities.”
Tim said he has also noticed a unique culture of intellectual curiosity at CS Energy.
“It’s inspiring to see colleague engage in lively discussions online, often using software like Python and Snowflake to generate graphs that support deep dives into energy and policy hypotheticals.
“This level of analytical thinking and collaboration is unlike anything I’ve encountered before, making it an engaging environment to work in,” he said.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside intelligent and passionate individuals at all levels, from graduates to senior management, who generously share their knowledge to support their peers.”