Northern Powergrid to optimise voltage using smart meter data

Northern Powergrid has revealed plans to harness smart meter data to optimise network voltage in Boston Spa and Wetherby in West Yorkshire.

The distribution network operator (DNO) said Boston Spa Energy Efficiency Trial (BEET) is expected to lower annual energy bills for the 15,000 homes and businesses in the pilot area by an average of £20 and cut their yearly carbon footprint by 27 kilograms. It said the technology could save up to £500 million per year if rolled out across the whole of Great Britain.

Northern Powergrid said households typically receive a high voltage than is necessary to operate their appliances to ensure compliance with regulations. Smart meter data will provide a real-time picture of how its network is being used, allowing the DNO to optimise voltage to only deliver what customers actually need.

The trial will utilise a new “BEET-Box” developed in partnership with Fundamentals, Siemens, GE Digital, and the University of Sheffield, which will apply an algorithm to local smart meter data every 30 minutes to determine the most efficient voltage to supply at that moment. Northern Powergrid said network voltage will be adjusted at primary substations, meaning customers without smart meters will also see the benefits.

If the trial is successful, the company plans to roll out the system across its region, covering up to 80% of its 3.9 million customers by 2033. It will also share the learnings and technology with fellow electricity network operators across the UK.

Iain Miller, head of innovation at Northern Powergrid, said: “BEET represents a revolutionary application of a well-understood technique that could help to deliver huge capacity savings on parts of our network, while saving our customers energy and money. Innovations such as this are a key enabler of our plans to support net zero.

“We’re excited to see our smart technology deliver real benefits to our customers and help free up more capacity to decarbonise our region.”

The project was devised by a local retired engineer. Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate at Leeds City Council, said: “This is a really exciting trial. If successful, this technology could help cut everyone’s energy bills while playing a part in helping to ensure our electricity infrastructure is ready for the rapid adoption of plug-in vehicles, cleaner heating and solar panels.

“These benefits will be increasingly important as we continue working to reduce fuel poverty and race to tackle climate change. I would particularly like to thank local resident and innovator Keith Jackson for coming up with the idea that led to the trial and thank Northern Powergrid for developing it to the stage we’re at today.”