Projects

Started

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Northern Powergrid

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 August 2025

30 June 2026

ENA months

£225,000

Power

Yorkshire & Humberside

NULL

Project Contact, Northern Powergrid

Project Contact, Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited

The project will identify solutions or actions that NPg can implement that support vulnerableconsumers to participate in energy flexibility initiatives. This would happen by identifying thechallenges facing vulnerable consumers and generating ideas for solutions that allow themto participate in energy flexibility initiatives. As a result, the project will produce anunderstanding of the key steps that these households need to go through to result inmeaningful engagement in energy flexibility initiatives long term and design how (up to) 3new solutions can be trialled with vulnerable households. This will improve the advice thatNPg (and other partner organisations) can provide households on flexibility and in the longterm this will provide new solutions that NPg can utilise to maximise participation in domestic energy flexibility. It is unique to involve householders in the complete design anddevelopment of new solutions that will be scaled to work for them specifically. This will deliver value for money as changes to the solutions requirements can be made duringdevelopment rather than afterwards and the solutions generated will be proven to bedesirable to consumers before they are rolled out en masse. Stage 1 Insights ReviewStage 2 Challenge DefinitionStage 3 Idea GenerationStage 4 Trial Design & Development Stage 1 Insights ReviewGather existing insights from Northern Power Grid and Energy Systems Catapult reportsBack casting exercise (e.g. workshop) to work backwards from desirable future outcomesQualitative engagement with householders (e.g. interviews) Insights synthesised and summarisedStage 2 Challenge DefinitionPotential challenges identified following insights reviewChallenges discussed and prioritised with householdersDevelop challenge criteria (number of criteria to be determined in response to the challenges identified and householder feedback)Stage 3: Idea GenerationDevelop potential solutions to key challengesEngagement with householders and NPg stakeholdersRefine priority solutionsStage 4: Trial Design & DevelopmentDevelop template trial designDevelop trial designs for priority solutions

Incorporating vulnerable consumers in energy flexibility initiatives is essential for creating aninclusive and resilient energy system and supporting decarbonised power. Vulnerableconsumers, who typically have less control over their energy usage and fewer resources forenergy-efficient technologies, may struggle to participate. By ensuring their inclusion inenergy flexibility, it is possible to provide financial support, smart technologies, and incentives tailored to their needs. This enables vulnerable consumers to benefit from lower energy costs and participate in initiatives that offer rewards for flexible energy use. It also helps prevent widening inequalities in energy access, while enhancing overall system stability, reducing peak demand and enabling demand side flexibility as well as supporting the transition to low carbon renewable energy sources.

24/04/26