TESS (Transactive Energy Services System)

In the TESS project, the GisMo Team is working with the Post Road Foundation to assess the ability of a particular flavor of transactive energy, which we call “prices-from-devices” transactive energy, to meet present and future energy demands and improve power grid efficiency. The project, officially titled “Evaluating Transactive Energy for Rural America,” is one of ten “Connected Communities” funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and focuses on rural areas in New England.

Transactive energy refers to a market-based method that coordinates energy generation, consumption, storage and delivery among buildings, distributed energy resources, such as electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels, and the bulk electric power grid. Through market-based mechanisms, such as real-time double blind auctions, energy needs are harmonized, enhancing the efficiency of the energy system. “TESS” refers to the software platform that GisMo is building for this project.

In order to evaluate the practicality and benefits of transactive energy, TESS will be deployed and operated in three communities in Maine and New Hampshire. The project will provide insights into the feasibility, challenges, and potential benefits of transactive energy in rural New England, including low-income communities. These insights can be used to discuss the potential of using transactive energy systems on a larger scale. Scaling up transactive energy systems beyond this project will require addressing various challenges, including regulatory frameworks, market structures, and data management. Additionally, the expansion of reliable internet connectivity in rural areas and ensuring equitable access to the benefits of transactive energy are important considerations for widespread adoption.

Continued research and development are necessary to enhance the performance and scalability of TESS. The findings and lessons from the TESS project provide valuable insights for policymakers, energy providers, and stakeholders in advancing the adoption of transactive energy as a sustainable solution for meeting future energy demands in low-income communities.

Project lead: David Chassin