Understanding annual, monthly, and hourly matching resolutions
The key metrics in the Granular Energy dashboards and reports can be analysed at different "matching resolutions".
Matching resolutions play a crucial role in measuring how well-aligned energy demand is with energy supply. The Granular Energy platform allows suppliers and consumers to calculate key metrics under various resolutions, from sub-hourly to annual.
When using an hourly matching resolution, supply and demand quantities are segmented hourly before aggregations are calculated; when using an annual matching resolution, the same calculations are done but in yearly segments.
At Granular Energy, we calculate the alignment of supply and demand with the “matching score”. When measured on an annual resolution, matching scores are higher because it is comparatively easier to align total energy supply with energy demand when aggregated to the year level. Conversely, when measuring energy supply and demand on an hourly basis, aligning the two profiles is more difficult and results in lower matching scores.
Historically, suppliers have measured matching scores with an annual matching resolution (in the UK, the compliance period runs from 1 April to 31 March). However, energy suppliers and consumers are increasingly interested in measuring matching scores at more granular resolutions. Monthly, daily, hourly, or sub-hourly matching resolutions provide suppliers and consumers with a more accurate understanding of the distribution of energy usage which allows them to make more trustworthy claims.
More granular matching resolutions are also crucial to increasing the proportion of clean energy on the grid. They help us see imbalances between supply and demand (which lower matching scores) and this information can guide us in implementing strategies like energy storage or demand response when clean energy is generated but not used. Similarly, it highlights the need for additional generation capacity or load management techniques during periods of high demand without enough clean energy available.