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National Grid’s electricity distribution business – formerly Western Power Distribution – has begun recruiting participants for a multi-year heat pump flexibility trial.
Starting in December, owners in the Midlands, the South West and South Wales will be offered “modest” payments for turning off their heat pumps during set two-hour periods of peak demand.
National Grid said they will nevertheless be able to save around £100 off their annual energy bill, whilst experiencing “minimal” disruption to their daily habits and comfort due to the limited duration and scale of temperature reductions.
The Equinox trial will run for every winter from 2022 to 2025 and will seek to establish to what extent future grid upgrades can be minimised or deferred to reduce network costs.
Stuart Fowler, innovation engineer at National Grid and Equinox project manager, said: “Equinox is about putting customers at the heart of a more flexible energy system and seeks to utilise the supplier, customer relationship to test consumer appetite for demand side services.
“These services will be vital for a more flexible grid and security of supply. We are really excited about the learning potential from Equinox and glad to have such a great consortia.”
Project partners Octopus Energy and Sero are conducting outreach efforts to recruit interested customers.
Alex Schoch, head of flexibility at Octopus Energy Group, said: “Heat pumps are the future of heating. In an increasingly green, cheap and electric grid they also pose an amazing solution to grid flexibility and resilience in the face of blackouts.
“The Equinox trial is seeking to prove how important these magical devices will be to the energy system of the future, while still keeping customers cosy and warm in their homes. We’re excited to get going.”
Last week, National Grid Electricity System Operator announced it was increasing the minimum price that will be paid to participants during periodic tests of the new Demand Flexibility Service it is introducing to help prevent blackouts this winter.
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