Back to news & events
New Energy Trial
04/05/2017
We have launched a new trial that will help businesses in parts of the Midlands earn extra money from their existing energy assets.
Flexible Power is open to businesses that have half-hourly metering and can reduce their electrical consumption or increase their on-site generation in response to an automated signal.
WPD Innovation and Low Carbon Networks Engineer Matt Watson, who is leading the project, said: “Flexible Power has the potential to help businesses unlock their latent energy flexibility and earn money by doing so.
“Previous tests of the equipment have seen offices adjusting their ventilation to reduce their consumption and factories using their back-up generators to increase on-site generation.
“Often businesses with on-site generators have to fire them up as part of maintenance checks – by taking part in the Flexible Power trial they could earn money for carrying out routine processes.”
The three-year trial, which is funded by Ofgem innovation funding, goes live in November but businesses are urged to sign up as soon as possible so the team can install the necessary equipment. Every business that takes part will have a tailored offer created for them based on their usage.
Trials like Flexible Power are necessary because the nature of electricity generation has changed. When distribution networks were first designed electricity flowed from large power stations to homes and businesses. Today, homes often provide electricity directly to the network, which provides different opportunities.
“Changing demand means the network needs to be dynamic,” added Matt. “Sometimes we will do this by building new infrastructure but we’re also looking at smarter ways of managing usage. Flexible Power is part of that new way of working.”
More details are available at flexiblepower.co.uk.
Flexible Power is open to businesses that have half-hourly metering and can reduce their electrical consumption or increase their on-site generation in response to an automated signal.
WPD Innovation and Low Carbon Networks Engineer Matt Watson, who is leading the project, said: “Flexible Power has the potential to help businesses unlock their latent energy flexibility and earn money by doing so.
“Previous tests of the equipment have seen offices adjusting their ventilation to reduce their consumption and factories using their back-up generators to increase on-site generation.
“Often businesses with on-site generators have to fire them up as part of maintenance checks – by taking part in the Flexible Power trial they could earn money for carrying out routine processes.”
The three-year trial, which is funded by Ofgem innovation funding, goes live in November but businesses are urged to sign up as soon as possible so the team can install the necessary equipment. Every business that takes part will have a tailored offer created for them based on their usage.
Trials like Flexible Power are necessary because the nature of electricity generation has changed. When distribution networks were first designed electricity flowed from large power stations to homes and businesses. Today, homes often provide electricity directly to the network, which provides different opportunities.
“Changing demand means the network needs to be dynamic,” added Matt. “Sometimes we will do this by building new infrastructure but we’re also looking at smarter ways of managing usage. Flexible Power is part of that new way of working.”
More details are available at flexiblepower.co.uk.
Tagged under
- About Us