DON Smallgoods joins Virtual Power Plant to support grid reliability

DON Smallgoods has joined RWTA Member Enel X’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP), strengthening its approach to energy management while supporting electricity reliability for the broader community.

The Castlemaine facility, one of the largest employers in regional Victoria, will now play an active role in supporting the electricity network during peak demand periods, this is a practical example of how large energy users can contribute to Australia’s energy transition without compromising operations.

How Virtual Power Plants work

Virtual Power Plants provide the same stabilising effect as a traditional power station, but instead of generating energy, they reduce demand when the grid is under pressure.

By coordinating multiple sites to temporarily lower electricity use at the same time, VPPs can ease peak demand, improve system reliability and support the integration of renewable energy into the grid.

Flexible energy use without impacting production

Working with Enel X, DON Smallgoods identified two key ways to participate in the VPP:

Temporarily powering down refrigeration units, within strict and safe operating parameters

Repurposing on-site co-generation units as a flexible energy resource when required

These measures allow DON to respond to grid needs while maintaining food safety, product integrity and production continuity.

Sean Kenny, Operations Director at DON Smallgoods, said joining the VPP was a practical step toward smarter energy use.

“By being flexible with our electricity use, we’re helping to strengthen the grid as it transitions to renewables and contribute to electricity reliability for our community. It’s a practical example of our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.”

Turning operational flexibility into value

Large energy users participating in VPPs are compensated for short-term reductions in electricity use, creating a fast, reliable and cost-effective way to address supply shortfalls.

As a major food manufacturer, DON’s participation highlights how industrial operations can balance sustainability goals with operational excellence, proving the two can go hand in hand.

DON Smallgoods is the third George Weston Foods business to join the Enel X VPP, following Tip Top and Mauri, reinforcing the group’s broader commitment to a reliable, resilient and lower-carbon energy system.

Enel X’s VPP currently manages more than 900 MW across over 670 sites in Australia and New Zealand, helping organisations turn operational flexibility into measurable value as energy systems evolve.

Like to know how this could work for your business? Be in touch with Enel X NOW and call

Jamie Catt, BDM, Jamie.catt@enel.com 0497 395 750.