Ogarniamprad.pl – development of a technology for automating processes using fuzzy sets with elements of artificial intelligence algorithms for handling dynamic auctions of electricity and fuel gas sales
Project title
Ogarniamprad.pl – development of a technology for automating processes using fuzzy sets with elements of artificial intelligence algorithms for handling dynamic auctions of electricity and fuel gas sales
Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries
Ogarniamprad 4.0 Sp. z o. o.
Name of programme
Smart Growth Operational Programme
Competition
BRIdge Alfa
Project value
PLN 1,000,000
Funding value
PLN 800,000
Project delivery period
From 1 October 2020 to 30 June 2022
See the results of our work
When we began R&D work on the project, we set ourselves very specific and ambitious goals: to automate the process of dynamic purchasing and selling of electricity and fuel gas, and to use artificial intelligence to develop technology that facilitates and optimises the purchase of energy resources. With our market experience in mind, we knew that in a dynamically changing world, energy trading is also entering a new era, and we must rise to the challenge while seizing the opportunities. The innovation of our approach to purchase/sale of electricity and fuel gas can be defined in several areas: (1) Optimisation through intelligent, homogeneous group purchases. The concept of creating purchasing groups is very old and has proven effective for many years, particularly for electricity and fuel gas. However, a series of energy market developments, the energy transition, purchasing instruments, and the capability for end consumers to generate their own energy have rendered simple volume aggregation ineffective. This is because the balancing costs of contracts vary greatly depending on the consumers' profiles. As a result of our R&D work, we have developed a method for creating so-called homogeneous purchasing groups. This approach ensures that sellers are presented with a group of attractive and similar customers rather than a group of random profiles to quote; (2) Real-time offer management. Another challenge associated with the dynamics of market changes, including those on the Towarowa Giełda Energii [Polish Power Exchange], is that offer validity periods are becoming shorter and shorter. In response, we have developed a method for automatic user offering, where our "offer wizard" can offer 1,000 users with different contract parameters in real time. This solution means that a single trader who configures the wizard, and adds the price base for individual tariffs and periods, does not have to manually provide different offers to multiple customers. The system, based on acquired data, independently prepares an offer aligned with the user’s preferences. The offer is always up-to-date and reflects predefined sales and purchase parameters. Offers can be filtered, and parameters adjusted, all within seconds. At the same time, the system allows for a quick comparison of offers from different sellers and suggests the most advantageous one; (3) New purchasing methods – Backpack Offers. A certain group of customers is looking for long-term offers with price guarantees. Often, sellers provide 3–5-year offers at good prices, but there are cases where companies offer better or worse deals for different periods. For example, seller X might have the best price for 2025 and 2026, while seller Y has the best price for 2027. For customers who wish to contract for several or even a dozen years and secure the best deals, we have developed a solution comprising the best individual offers from different sellers.
What problem does our project solve?
Our primary goal during the development of this project was to implement a user-friendly, intuitive, and, most importantly, effective tool for optimising the purchase of electricity and fuel gas through the automated platform ogarniamprad.pl.
From experience, we know how non-transparent the retail electricity and fuel gas market is. It requires significant effort to obtain offers from multiple sellers simultaneously and compare them before they expire. In the past, sellers' price lists remained unchanged for months; today, with rapidly fluctuating energy prices, they are updated several times a week. Securing the lowest price also depends on the timing of the purchase—when prices are falling, not rising. Small businesses lack advisors and are left to navigate this area on their own. When energy prices hovered around 200 PLN/MWh, there was little pressure to reduce energy costs. However, as prices rose by several hundred percent, the situation changed. This is why we have developed a platform for dynamic, real-time offer management and price comparison of electricity and fuel gas for both individual and business consumers, with options for remote, individual, and group purchasing and selling of energy. One Stop Shop. The only one of its kind on the Polish and European market.
We have applied proprietary algorithms to match offers with energy volumes and consumption profiles. We have created a unique model of homogeneous purchasing groups, built based on the individual characteristics of energy consumers. We have automated the processes of price comparison, offering, and contract conclusion in real-time. To support users in choosing offers, we utilised elements of artificial intelligence. We employed algorithms that complement the system by matching offers to users. We identified two types of algorithms: for preference matching and product matching. The preference-matching algorithms align offers with users' defined preferences (e.g., green energy, lowest price). The main factors in classifying offers include both price-related and non-price-related criteria.
Who will benefit from the project's results?
Our tool supports the decision-making process for both buyers and sellers of electricity and fuel gas. In particular, on the buyers' side, our users primarily include micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). There is also significant potential among households, especially after the planned deregulation of electricity and fuel gas prices in 2027.
Buyers receive real-time, personalised information about prices and offers from sellers. They are guided through the supplier-switching process and provided with insights into how their company uses energy. Most importantly, they can reduce energy costs through the platform. What are the main competitive advantages?
- All processes in one place (from obtaining measurement data to dynamic offering, analysis, and contract processing)
- Always up-to-date offers 24/7
- Offers tailored to both price and non-price user preferences
- Multiple purchasing and price optimisation methods: “Buy Now,” “Tariff Groups,” “Homogeneous Groups,” “Combined Purchase”
- Easy offering to multiple users by a single trader
For sellers and trading companies, the tool offers:
- User-friendly e-commerce interface
- Only 1-2 people are required to handle the process
- Quick offer-to-purchase process
- Various sales models: Buy Now, Homogeneous Groups
- Dynamic offering: 1,000 offers/hour
What was the biggest challenge for us in implementing the project?
Bearing in mind the conditions under which we developed the tool—continuous legislative changes, the pandemic, a raw material crisis, and the energy transition—it is a success that many of the planned functionalities were implemented in our system.
It is important to remember that the scope of work was broad, the modifications driven by the business environment were significant, and time and resources were limited. Given these factors, the final result, though not perfect, largely meets our expectations.
We also see immense potential for expanding the platform with new functionalities that could complement those developed during this funding round.