UK Power Networks - Low Carbon London

Summary

The extensive research, trials and analysis undertaken as part of the Low Carbon London project have been documented and are now being published for the benefit of the entire industry. The reports are split across a number of distinct themes:

Demand Side Response and Distributed Generation
Electrification of Heat and Transport
Network Planning
Future Distribution System Operator

Links to all the Low Carbon London reports are provided below. Each report sits within the relevant theme, making it easier for you to navigate to your areas of interest. We have also published a Summary Report.

We are pleased to share a very significant dataset that was collected during the Low Carbon London project. Residential Smart Meter and Dynamic Time-of-Use data from the project has been made available for download here. (note these files are extremely large)

Summary Report

Electrification of Heat and Transport

The Low Carbon London analysis has allowed us to quantify the impacts of new electrical heating and transport loads on the distribution network. Specifically, we have explored the potential power quality impacts on the network, which will allow for improved load forecasting, planning and connection of new low carbon technologies. Through the trials, we have demonstrated that, in a future when there are significant penetration levels of low carbon technologies, Heat Pumps will be less suitable for smart optimisation, whilst active control of Electric Vehicles will present Distribution Network Operators with a significant opportunity for smart optimisation.

B1 Impact and opportunities for wide-scale Electric Vehicle deployment

B2 Impact of Electric Vehicles and Heat Pump loads on network demand profiles

B3 Impact of Low Voltage - connected low carbon technologies on Power Quality

B4 Impact of Low Voltage - connected low carbon technologies on network utilisation

B5 Opportunities for smart optimisation of new heat and transport loads

Demand Side Response & Distributed Generation

As part of our integrated set of trials, throughout Low Carbon London we have assessed how Distribution Network Operators can utilise Demand Side Response services from industrial and commercial customers to defer capital expenditure or to manage network constraints during construction and maintenance outages. We have also evaluated the response rate of residential customers to dynamic Time of Use tariffs, and determined how Distributed Generation and Active Network Management could enhance Security of Supply on our distribution network. This extensive research and analysis of trial data is presented across ten detailed reports which provide a comprehensive review of the impact Demand Side Response and Distributed Generation have on distribution networks.

A10 Smart appliances for residential demand response

A1 Residential Demand Side Response for outage management and as an alternative to network reinforcement

A2 Residential consumer attitudes to time-varying pricing

A3 Residential consumer responsiveness to time-varying pricing

A4 Industrial and Commercial Demand Side Response for outage management and as an alternative to network reinforcement

A5 Conflicts and synergies of Demand Side Response

A6 Network impacts of supply-following Demand Side Response

A7 Distributed Generation and Demand Side Response services for smart Distribution Networks

A8 Distributed Generation addressing security of supply and network reinforcement requirements

A9 Facilitating Distributed Generation connections

Network Planning

As part of our investigation into network planning and operation, Low Carbon London focused on two main areas: how smart meter data can be used to better understand the way in which customers contribute to network load, and the potential savings from energy efficient appliances, both at the household level and at scale. This analysis provides new understanding of our network performance and delivers an insight to how Distribution Network Operators will benefit from using smart meter data in the future. We have also reclassified household demand groups based on current demographics and technology use. We recommend that the consumer specific load and efficiency savings profiles from Low Carbon London are applied to the unique consumer demographics of each Distribution Network Operators to enhance future network planning.

C1 Use of smart meter information for network planning and operation

C2 Impact of energy efficient appliances on network utilisation

C3 Network impacts of energy efficiency at scale

C4 Network state estimation and optimal sensor placement

C5 Accessibility and validity of smart meter data

Future Distribution System Operator

During the London Carbon London project we trialled many new innovative smart solutions. To aid the transition from proof-of-concept to a wide scale roll-out, we assessed the technical and commercial challenges that the industry faces to unlock the benefits that these solutions can bring. This has provided us with real insight into the fundamental requirements to facilitate the operation and design of distribution networks in a low carbon future.

D1 Development of new network design and operation practices

D2 DNO Tools and Systems Learning

D3 Design and real-time control of smart distribution networks

D4 Resilience performance of smart distribution networks

D5 Novel commercial arrangements for smart distribution networks

D6 Carbon impact of smart distribution networks

Feb 25, 2014 - Finding smart ways to prepare the electricity network for electric vehicle charging
A smart new system for charging electric vehicles is being tested in London to help get the electricity network ready for widespread use of electric vehicles.

Aug 6, 2013 - EV charge points installed at London Underground car parks
UK Power Networks has recently completed the installation of 60 Electric Vehicle (EV) charge posts at 12 London Underground (LU) car parks across the capital.

Mar 20, 2013 - Helping Britain build a green economy
Helping Britain build a green economy UK Power Networks has shared its plans to help Britain build a green economy.

Feb 13, 2013 - EDF asks would you do the washing when the wind is blowing?
Energy companies' plans to offer flexible smart grid-enabled energy tariffs that provide cheaper power when there is abundant renewable energy available are to take a big step forward with the launch of a new pilot scheme.

Feb 13, 2013 - Groundbreaking smart grid trial targets customers
More than 1,100 EDF Energy customers with smart meters are being given day- ahead price alerts to encourage them to shift electricity use to windy days.

Feb 12, 2013 - First British trial of day-ahead electricity prices
A unique trial is under way to test if day-ahead electricity price alerts can make better use of wind power on blustery days.

Dec 11, 2012 - UK Power Networks named Utility of the Year in double win
UK Power Networks, the company which delivers power across London, the East of England and the South East, was named Utility of the Year in a double win at a glittering event last night (December 10).

Dec 11, 2012 - UK Power Networks named Utility of the Year in double win
UK Power Networks, the company which delivers power across London, the East of England and the South East, was named Utility of the Year in a double win at a glittering event last night.

Nov 23, 2012 - London smart meter trial begins
Companies mentioned: Ofgem Low Carbon Network Fund, EDF, UK Power Networks, Korea Telecom, On-Ramp Wireless, Fountain Springs, ABB, Powercorp, GE, and BT

Nov 16, 2012 - Electric vehicles join UK Power Networks fleet
UK Power Networks has bought three new Peugeot iOns to join its extensive fleet of cars and vans which are regularly seen on the roads across London, the South East and the East of England en route to power cuts, upgrades or new connections projects.

Nov 16, 2012 - Lewisham smart meter trial launched
Smart meters will be offered to homes and businesses across Perry Vale’s RE:NEW area and Lewisham’s Low Carbon Zone as the Low Carbon London smart meter trials get underway.

Nov 16, 2012 - Archway smart meter trial launched
Smart meters will be offered to homes and businesses across Archway’s Low Carbon Zone as the Low Carbon London smart meter trials get underway.

Nov 9, 2012 - Schools glimpse tomorrow’s powerful world
UK Power Networks, Britain’s largest electricity distributor, will be among more than a dozen key employers bringing interactive challenges to 300 12 to 14-year-old pupils from 30 schools across the South East at the University of Surrey’s sports centre in Guildford on Wednesday (14).

Oct 26, 2012 - Free charging points to support EV research
Free Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points are available in London for residents and businesses participating in trials to understand the impact of EV use on the electricity network.

Oct 25, 2012 - Electric vehicles now able to roam between London and eastern England
Easier access to around 940 charge points throughout London and Eastern England

Oct 22, 2012 - Future of Britain’s power networks
UK Power Networks will be among the companies sharing information at the second annual Low Carbon Networks Fund (LCNF) conference at the Wales Millennium Centre on Thursday and Friday. The LCNF conference is run by Energy Networks Association on behalf of Ofgem.

Oct 19, 2012 - Green reasons to be cheerful
Outside the Westminster bubble, the green economy is starting to motor

Oct 16, 2012 - UK Power Networks will pay ExCel centre to use less energy
The ExCel centre will be paid to take less electricity off the network at times of peak demand in a new trial with UK Power Networks.

Oct 15, 2012 - Electricity companies test demand response to reward customers
Along with EDF and EnerNOC, Flexitricity, announced last week that it is working with UK Power Networks on a series of demand response trials, called Low Carbon London (LCL), with big businesses in the capital, beginning with the ExCeL conference centre.

Oct 14, 2012 - Smart grids set to save millions
Smart grid technologies should save £135million on the cost of distributing electricity in London, the South East and East of England from 2015 to 2023.

Oct 12, 2012 - Contracts to reduce London’s peak demand
UK Power Networks is trialling ground-breaking contracts which encourage industrial and commercial customers to help reduce electricity demand on its networks at peak times when called upon to do so, in return for payments

Oct 10, 2012 - Smart city researchers eye recruits for trials
London’s electricity distributor, UK Power Networks, is enlisting recruits for the Low Carbon London trials at the Energy Solutions exhibition at Olympia.

Jul 24, 2012 - Grant to tackle future energy challenges
A PROJECT led by technology innovation firm the Advanced Digital Institute to explore the development of the “next generation” of virtual power plants has won £100,000-worth of funding.

Jul 20, 2012 - 5,000th customer joins smart meter trial
An important milestone was reached this week when the 5,000th customer joined the pioneering Low Carbon London smart meter trials.

Jun 26, 2012 - Smart Grid revolution is hot topic in London
Smart Grid revolution is hot topic in London

May 30, 2012 - UK Power Networks and PassivSystems win grant for home demand response trial
An innovative project controlling domestic use of electricity to manage peak demands has won a grant.

Apr 13, 2012 - Invitation to electric vehicle owners
London’s electric vehicle community is being invited to join the Low Carbon London trials.

Apr 5, 2012 - Hendry: “Consumer benefit is at the heart of the Government’s smart meter programme”
Consumer benefit is at the heart of the Government’s smart meter programme

Feb 24, 2012 - Low Carbon London and EDF Energy share initial smart meter findings
Smart Meter pilot learning event

Feb 21, 2012 - Website will open a window on a greener energy future
Would you like to know what you can do to better manage your energy consumption? Would you like to be actively involved in shaping a sustainable low carbon future for London and Great Britain?

Nov 17, 2011 - Low Carbon London initiative to help companies cut emissions- UK Power Networks website offers guidance on managing energy consumption
UK Power Networks website offers guidance on managing energy consumption

Nov 17, 2011 - A new Low Carbon London website has been launched by UK Power Networks to help companies better manage their energy consumption.
A new Low Carbon London website has been launched by UK Power Networks to help companies better manage their energy consumption.

Nov 16, 2011 - Peckham smart meter trial launched
Smart meters will be offered to homes and businesses across Peckham’s Low Carbon Zone as the Low Carbon London smart meter trials get underway.

Nov 16, 2011 - Canning Town smart meter trial launched
Smart meters will be offered to homes and businesses across Canning Town ’s Green Enterprise District as the Low Carbon London smart meter trials get underway.

Nov 16, 2011 - Barking smart meter trial launched
Smart meters will be offered to homes and businesses across Barking’s Low Carbon Zone as the Low Carbon London smart meter trials get underway.

Oct 5, 2011 - New learning lab helping London move towards low carbon future

Sep 27, 2011 - Mayor helps homes across nine more boroughs get energy efficient and save cash
Mayor helps homes across nine more boroughs get energy efficient and save cash

Aug 4, 2011 - Mayor helps Londoners beat energy price hikes
London's largest programme to make homes energy efficient could save £100s off annual fuel bills. RE:NEW programme key to Mayor's plan to 'retrofit' London on an unprecedented scale

Jun 1, 2011 - Making London's public sector buildings more energy efficient
We want London’s public sector buildings to be as energy efficient as possible

May 26, 2011 - Mayor switches on new electric vehicle scheme ‘Source London’
The Mayor, Boris Johnson, today launched the capital's first city-wide electric charge point network and membership scheme, making it easier for electric vehicle owners to plug in whilst on the move.

May 26, 2011 - Electric vehicles for London
Helping Londoners go electric with Source London

May 2, 2011 - Taking bold steps to realise the vision of a greener London
The Mayor has a clear vision of London being recognised as a world leader in improving the environment locally and globally. He is focusing on realising this vision through big, bold programmes for improvement and an ongoing determination to encourage everyone to get involved and work together.

Apr 1, 2011 - Making the most of the low carbon opportunity
We want London to be the low carbon capital that leads the way and makes the most of the global low carbon economy.

Mar 9, 2011 - Smarter Grid Solutions technology to Low Carbon London project
Smarter Grid Solutions’ grid management technologies will be used as part of the Low Carbon London project with UK Power Networks.

Mar 7, 2011 - Smarter Grid Solutions to supply London low-carbon project
A small Glasgow technology firm has been recruited to play an important part in the drive to help clean up the sprawling metropolis of London. Smarter Grid Solutions (SGS) has won a £2.9 million contract to supply the software that it developed to help link wind farms and electric cars with the national grid for use in the city.

Feb 1, 2011 - Developing low carbon zones to help cut local emissions
“These energy busting zones will create an armada of flagships across London, focused on finding the most effective ways to rapidly cut carbon and slash energy bills.” Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

Aug 1, 2010 - UK Power Networks project wins award
UK Power Networks today celebrated news that its Low Carbon London bid has been awarded £24.26million by Ofgem’s Low Carbon Networks Fund.

Low Carbon London

Project Closed End date: December 2014 Total funding: £28.3 million Funding from LCNF: £21.7 million Funding from us and partners: £6.6 million