By Terry Paddy, Managing Director, Cortexo Limited
Introduction
The FlexTalk program is an ambitious, collaborative initiative focused on one deceptively simple question:
How can we simplify communication between key actors in New Zealand’s electricity industry?
The answer unlocks a smarter, more dynamic grid. It enables Electronic Distribution Businesses (EDBs) and aggregators to speak the same language, driving lower costs, greater coordination, and faster innovation. And ultimately, it lays the groundwork for a more democratic and resilient energy system.
Led by the EEA and EECA, FlexTalk brings together retailers, distributors, consumers, product providers, and installers to test and prove open, scalable standards. Cortexo was selected as the technical lead, responsible for delivering the software and technical architecture design that made secure, two-way communication between networks, flexibility providers and individual devices a reality.
The Challenge
New Zealand’s electricity system is under pressure. More EVs, solar panels, batteries, and electrified heat mean more dynamic demand. Yet, most EDBs operate with legacy, siloed systems that lack a shared protocol for communicating with the new generation of actors coordinating energy devices.
FlexTalk aimed to change that, trialling OpenADR, an open, internationally recognised communication standard, to see if we could build coordination and interoperability across the grid.
“We are starting to get these consumer energy resources into the market,” says FlexTalk Project Lead Connie Dunbar, “and if we do nothing, there’s potential for technical chaos and not being able to realise the great benefits they offer.”
Without a common approach, each of the country’s 29 EDBs risks building its own system for flexibility. The result? A fragmented, inefficient grid and unnecessary costs for everyone.
The FlexTalk Projects
FlexTalk 1.0 proved the core technical concept. Multiple EDBs and flexibility providers trialled OpenADR 2.0b in real conditions. The result? A secure, working communication loop between Virtual Top Node (VTN) and Virtual End Node (VEN).
The Seed Project applied those learnings at the household level. It tested device control and installation across 10 homes, laying the groundwork for full-scale deployment.
FlexTalk 2.0, now underway, is connecting over 100 homes with HEMS devices that manage hot water and air conditioning loads in real-time. This project is proving that smart control and customer value go hand-in-hand.
And looking ahead? Think of every home operating as a node in a connected, responsive network, with open communication protocols at its core.
FlexTalk Positions New Zealand as Global Leaders
FlexTalk is bold. It’s complex. And it’s delivering.
While other countries are still setting up working groups, New Zealand is running coordinated, multi-stakeholder pilots and shipping working software.
When the EECA Technical Lead recently visited the International Energy Agency, even they were surprised by how quickly New Zealand had mobilised. FlexTalk is being watched globally, and rightly so.
We’re not just participating in the global energy transition—we’re helping to shape it.
“Having a small, committed team that’s willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in,” says Connie, “has made all the difference.”
The FlexTalk Program team is at the forefront of developing the testing methods and protocols that will unlock the future of democratised electricity.
Thanks to all the partners in this programme, striving to create products and systems for New Zealand’s electricity future, including Ivory Egg (NZ) Limited.
Key Industry Takeaways – What the FlexTalk Program has Proven
OpenADR Works in New Zealand
Proven and certified across multiple EDBs and flexibility providers. Real-time, two-way signalling works at scale using Cortexo’s FlexSplice Hub and FlexSplice Edge.
Interoperability is Achievable
FlexTalk showed that diverse systems, from HEMS to EV chargers, can speak a common language with no vendor lock-in.
Flexibility Can Be Targeted at the Network Edge
EDBs can signal flexibility to specific locations or assets, supporting dynamic local network management that can be tailored by time, price, and network constraints.
Standardised Flexibility Programs Can be Adopted
Seven flexibility programs were tested and proven, ready for national reuse.
Smart Tech Can Deliver Real Consumer Value
Early HEMS trials show potential to reduce bills and shift load automatically, while being able to operate independently and remain signal-responsive.
Installations Are Feasible but Require Standards
FlexTalk uncovered practical lessons around install methods, NZ electrical safety, data security, reliable connectivity, and compliance.
We Now Have a Scalable Foundation
From pilot to product. FlexTalk lays the groundwork for the nationwide rollout of demand flexibility.
Where to Next with Demand Flexibility and OpenADR?
FlexTalk was only the beginning. Cortexo is already supporting OpenADR 3.0 integration, building backwards-compatible platforms for tomorrow’s grid.
We’re ready to help New Zealand’s EDBs, aggregators, and solution providers scale flexibility, fast. Whether you’re launching a pilot or rolling out network-wide services, we’ve got the tools, experience and certification to help you go live.
Want to Talk?
We’re always looking to collaborate. If you’re working on flexibility or demand response, let’s talk.
- Consult with Terry Paddy to determine which protocol is the best fit
- Contact: terry.paddy@cortexo.com or 021 359 868
- Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on OpenADR, demand-side innovation, and the future of energy.
More Information
- FlexTalk Program Information
- FlexTalk 2.0 Webinar: The future of smart energy in NZ: FlexTalk’s journey to 100+ connected homes
- FlexTalk FAQs
Terry Paddy
Managing Director, Cortexo Limited