Energy customers will have a battery installed in their homes that will be used by Social Energy to send extra power to the electricity network when it needs it most, as part of UK Power Networks’ flexibility services program.
The project, which is available to around 100 homes initially, is part of UK Power Networks’ flexibility services that will deliver a smarter grid to a significant part of the UK over the coming years.
In this emerging market, network operators are buying ‘flexibility’ from organizations like Social Energy, which works with customers to balance supply with demand. It turns supply up or demand down, depending on what is happening on the network at a given time. This allows UK Power Networks to manage the network, build a more resilient grid and save money for its customers.
The service is delivered during specific time periods. During these periods, customer batteries will be available to discharge their stored energy if instructed to do so. This electricity will first be used to power the homeowners’ own electrical appliances, but any extra electricity will be exported from the house to the grid. When multiplied across many participating households, this has the effect of reducing demand on the local electricity network at peak times.
Social Energy customers in specific areas of South London, Hertfordshire and Kent will receive an annual payment of £125 for the next four years for their role in supporting UK Power Networks and the future of energy – helping to modernize the grid and maintain reliable power supplies in the local area.
Social Energy is a new generation of energy supplier that uses smart technology to reduce its customers’ electricity bills. Homeowners across the UK can get their solar and battery system from a local approved installer and connect it to the Social Energy tariff to reduce their electricity bills by up to 70% - saving a typical household £516 per year.
By adding a battery and connecting it to Social Energy’s smart technology, customers will maximize their solar energy usage, receive the best price for exporting their excess energy to the grid and automatically take advantage of low or even negative priced energy.
Steve Day, chief technology officer at Social Energy, said, “We’re delighted to be working with UK Power Networks to be part of transforming energy for people in the area. Homeowners here have an incredible opportunity to be part of this exciting project to move towards a smart grid – going green, saving money and supporting the future of energy.”
The financial contribution for battery installation is available to those in specific postcodes who are new to the world of solar panels and battery storage, and those that already have solar panels installed but are not yet part of the Social Energy community.
