Projects

Completed

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Electricity North West Limited

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 August 2025

31 March 2026

ENA months

£265,581

Power

North West

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, Electricity North West Limited

Project Contact, Electricity North West Limited

This project will adopt both technical and commercial methodologies, combining desktop research, simulation-based modelling, and stakeholder engagement to assess how smart meter-based load control can mitigate cold load pickup events following prolonged outages. The core focus is to evaluate the feasibility and system impact of using SMETS meter functionalityspecifically staggered reconnection and random offset featuresto reduce peak network demand during restoration.The method will be delivered through four interrelated work packages: Work Package 1: Technical Feasibility Assessment: A desktop review of SMETS smart meter functionality, with a focus on demand control features such as staggered reconnection and random offset timers. Work Package 2: Regulatory and Compliance Review: Assessment of the current regulatory landscape, including Distribution Code compliance and potential future changes. Engagement with key stakeholders (e.g. Ofgem, DESNZ, suppliers, DCC) to understand constraints and opportunities. Work Package 3: Implementation Methodology Design: Development of high-level operational strategies for staged load restoration, including prioritisation rules, randomisation windows, and load type-specific approaches (e.g. for EV chargers and heat pumps). Work Package 4: Simulation Roadmap: Definition of the data, network models, and software requirements (e.g. PowerFactory) to enable future simulation and validation of proposed methodologies. Work Package 5: Project Management and Reporting: Overarching project management and report for all work packages to ensure effective coordination among project team, partners and stakeholders.This approach will provide an evidence base to inform the potential design of a field trial in a potential future phase.Measurement Quality Statement: Although this project does not involve physical testing, measurement quality remains important within the modelling and simulation context. Input assumptions, network data, and load profiles used in simulations will be based on industry-accepted sources and reviewed for appropriateness and completeness. Modelling processes will follow best practice, and all assumptions, parameters, and limitations will be clearly documented to support transparency and repeatability.Data Quality Statement:All data used or generated during the project will be reviewed to ensure it meets required standards for simulation accuracy and relevance. Data will be managed in accordance with the RIIO-ED2 Data Best Practice Guidance and Data Assurance Guidance, including version control, audit trails, and appropriate documentation. No personal data will be processed as part of this project. Smart Restart will develop and simulate a methodology for mitigating cold load pickup through smart meter-based load control, reducing the risk of overloading LV networks during re-energisation. Central to this approach is the random offset feature built into smart meters, which can delay the reactivation of devices (such as heat pumps and EV chargers) controlled by a smart meter control switche.g., an Auxiliary Control or Consumer Access Deviceby anywhere from 0 to 30 minutes. By staggering when each device switches back on, the random offset helps prevent a sudden demand surge that could otherwise cause significant voltage or frequency issues, potentially jeopardising system stability or leading to a partial or total network shutdown.The project will include both a desktop study of smart meter capabilities and simulations of selected LV networks to test the impact of the proposed load control methodologies. In parallel, the project will develop a roadmap for potential future field trials to validate results of simulation and potential benefits.The project will deliver benefits to the GB electricity distribution system, including:Financial: Potential deferral of network reinforcement by mitigating peak demand spikes Reduced operational and maintenance costs from avoiding overloaded conditions Avoided CI/CML penalties by reducing the risk of secondary outages following restorationEnvironmental: Enabling more reliable integration of LCTs such as EVs and heat pumps Supporting the net zero transition through smarter grid operationOperational: Improved LV network resilience and recovery following prolonged outages Use of existing infrastructure (smart meters) to deliver new value with minimal cost The project aims to:Assess the technical feasibility of using smart meter load control features to manage cold load pickupReview regulatory and compliance considerations and engage key industry stakeholdersDevelop high-level strategies for staged load reconnection using SMETS functionalityDefine the data and modelling requirements for future simulation and validationProvide recommendations and a roadmap for potential future trials and operational deployment

The forecasted growth of heat pump and EV chargers exposes networks to increasing challenges associated with cold load pickup following a prolonged outage, i.e. the initial demand could be beyond design parameters. Having a method to control and gradually ramp up demand after these prolonged shutdowns will allow DNOs to maintain network stability and reliability.Smart Restart will develop and simulate a methodology for mitigating cold load pickup through smart meter-based load control. Central to the approach is the random offset feature built into smart meters, which could delay the reactivation of devices (such as heat pumps and EV chargers). Staggering when devices switch back on could prevent a sudden demand surge that could otherwise lead to a partial or total network shutdown.

24/04/26