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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_UKPN0092
Title	Spotlight
Status	Started
Energy Categories	Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Demographics) 50%; Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Environmental, social and economic impacts) 50%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	SOCIAL SCIENCES (Sociology) 20%; PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Computer Science and Informatics) 80%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Consumer attitudes and behaviour) 100%
Principal Investigator	Project Contact No email address given UK Power Networks
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 October 2023
End Date	31 January 2025
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£1,650,000
Industrial Sectors	Power
Region	London
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , UK Power Networks (99.997%)
	Other Investigator	Project Contact , Eastern Power Networks plc (0.001%) Project Contact , South Eastern Power Networks plc (0.001%) Project Contact , UKPN London Power Networks plc (0.001%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , UK Power Networks (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_UKPN0092
Objectives	"Method:Spotlight will leverage data modelling and machine learning to identify vulnerable customers at a granular level. The project seeks to bring together existing data sources, and bring new ones, into a single platform. Once the data is integrated centrally, it will be processed to enable data driven approach to supporting vulnerable customers. The data models will be developed to be scalable to any future data which becomes available. Spotlights innovative approach involves advanced clustering, machine learning techniques, and a diverse range of datasets to create a unique classification system for identifying vulnerable customers and those at risk of vulnerability. With the potential for nationwide replication, the project will focus on significantly increasing the granularity of vulnerability data, aiming for household-level insight rather than the current LSOA-level information. The project will target three categories: PSR, FP, and LNB. Spotlight aims to utilise new data modelling methods which have already been partially validated in other industries such as retail, telecoms, and technology. Spotlight seeks to adapt and apply these methods specifically to address customer vulnerability requirements in the electricity distribution sector. Measurement Quality Statement: All data used within this project is for the purposes described above, and therefore quality will be measured on this basis. The project will follow all data quality rules, logging, and prioritising issues as they arise in line with the approved methodology set out in our Enterprise Data Management Policy, which forms part of the UK Power Networks Integrated Management System. Data quality will be measured across five dimensions where applicable: Accuracy Completeness Consistency Validity Uniqueness.Data quality rules for each of the appropriate data quality dimensions above will be set by the project, measuring them closely on a regular basis to identify quality issues. Data Quality Statement:Data quality issues will be logged in a central location and prioritised using an approved matrix which combines the importance of the issue, and the amount of data affected, this gives an indication of the issues impact on the project and wider business, considering factors such as: The impact on the health and safety of the public and employees Whether it may result in a breach of our licence conditions or relevant regulations The impact on UK Power Networks reputation The impact on our operations and efficiency The financial impact, including project delays and charges from external service providers.The project will then seek support for resolving the issues in priority order. All data and background information will be stored centrally and securely in a project specific Sharepoint folder or in our Enterprise Data Store if required by the wider business in accordance with data protection requirements. " "Scope:The scope of Spotlight is focused on PSR, FP and LNB customer identification and engagement approach modelling across EPN, LPN and SPN. The scope of work is categorised into three key work packages (WP 1-3). WP1:Data collection and preparationObjective: Identify relevant data sources and collect necessary data for the solution development. This involves data cleaning, pre-processing, and integration to ensure data quality and consistency. WP2: Model development, testing, validation, and enhancementObjective: With an iterative and agile approach, the project will use various machine learning techniques to develop robust models for identifying vulnerable customers in PSR, FP, and LNB categories. It will also implement an efficient data-driven customer engagement channel. WP3: DocumentationObjective: Create documentation that outlines the requirements, design development process, methodologies, and functionalities of the solution. Benefits: This project will deliver substantial societal advantages for vulnerable customers, including reduced stress during outages, relief from financial debt, and a contribution to reduced carbon emissions through participation in the energy transition. Moreover, Spotlight will also depict the intersections amongst essential datasets that impact both established and emerging segments of consumer vulnerability. These insights will provide valuable guidance for addressing intricate tasks or challenges. Furthermore, current customers will also gain from this initiative, as adding them to the PSR program grants access to extra support during power interruptions, including a 24/7 helpline and proactive outage updates. " "The project objectives are to: Create a data pipeline for integrating data sources and maintaining ongoing data quality. Develop multiple clustering/classification models across various vulnerability definitions, including:o Segmenting existing customers into vulnerability clusterso Generating outputs like sets of potentially vulnerable customers for PSR, FP, and LNB categories.o Creating data outputs for the engagement channel to prioritise customer engagement.Visualise the models` outputs to enable data driven identification of PSR, FP and LNB customers and appropriate engagement channel. "
Abstract	Spotlight addresses the challenge of identifying Priority Services Register (PSR), Fuel Poor (FP), and Leaving No One Behind (LNB) customers at a household level, surpassing current methods limited to high-level demographic trends. To do so, the project seeks to access data from sectors such as telecommunications and finance to enhance customer identification. Additionally, the project aims to optimise engagement strategies with PSR, FP, and LNB customers. By utilising data insights, it plans to enhance operational team interactions through effective engagement channel selection, tailored to various customer needs and vulnerability categories.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	12/10/23