Western Power Distribution unveils demand side trial

Western Power Distribution (WPD) has announced a new demand side response (DSR) trial aimed at helping business customers generate income through existing assets. Flexible Power targets half-hourly metered customers that […]

Western Power Distribution (WPD) has announced a new demand side response (DSR) trial aimed at helping business customers generate income through existing assets.

Flexible Power targets half-hourly metered customers that can reduce their power usage or increase their onsite generation in response to an automated signal when demand is high.

Funded by Ofgem, the three-year trial goes live in November but businesses can sign up now and install the necessary equipment.

Matt Watson, WPD Innovation and Low Carbon Networks Engineer said: “Flexible Power has the potential to help businesses unlock their latent energy flexibility and earn money for doing so. The trial is also allowing us, as a distribution network operator, to explore how DSR’s effects on network reinforcement can provide environmental benefits.

“For instance, businesses that opt for our fully-managed service ca help reduce the need for peaking plant, which is often quite dirty. One of our aims is to understand the levels and types of demand reduction available – and therefore the environmental benefits accessible via DSR.”

WPD is the distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales and is responsible for delivering electricity to around 7.8 million customers in the UK.

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