YOUR IDEAS
Funding
Our team of innovators have a proven track record of turning new ideas into business-as-usual products. With funding coming from a range of different sources, our five dedicated teams can help get your idea off the ground.
What we look for
Because we’re ultimately spending our customers’ money on innovation, we have a duty to make sure we’re only spending it on projects that are going to deliver real, tangible benefits to them. To make sure we’re on the right track, we make sure our projects:
Improve the reliability of our network
Support the transition to Net Zero
Cut costs for the network or our customers
Support our most vulnerable customers
A range of funding options
A range of funding options
Strategic Innovation Fund
The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is designed to drive the innovation needed to transform gas and electricity networks for a low-carbon future. Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the SIF programme taps into the best of UK and international innovation whilst aligning with other public innovation funding for the benefit of network users and consumers.
A range of funding options
Network Innovation Allowance
Supported by Ofgem, the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) helps networks take forward innovation projects that have the potential to address consumer vulnerability and/or deliver longer–term financial and environmental benefits for consumers. The purpose of the NIA is to fund smaller projects worth from about £50,000 to £2m.
A range of funding options
Business Funded Innovation
UK Power Networks has a dedicated funding stream for innovative projects with the potential to make provide immediate network improvements. Our team collaborate with innovators to provide a range of projects which improve safety, reduce operating costs, increase efficiency and reduce our impact on the environment.
A range of funding options
Electricity Network Innovation Competition
The Electricity Network Innovation Competition (NIC) was an annual opportunity for electricity network companies to compete for funding for the development and demonstration of new technologies, operating and commercial arrangements. NIC funding for new innovation projects was brought to a close at the end of the RIIO-ED1 price control in March 2023 and replaced with the Strategic Innovation Fund. Existing projects will be seen through to completion.
A range of funding options
Innovation and Support Opportunities with the Energy Innovation Centre
Innovators can access support and business opportunities in the UK energy sector through the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC).
The EIC is a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting innovators to find opportunities, create partnerships and support them through the innovation process at no cost.
Innovators can also find a range of resources and support on the EIC website, providing help every step of the way from idea to business-as-usual.
We collaborate with the EIC to discover and progress transformative innovation ideas. Their specialist team will guide you through the process, share resources and provide advice, from concept to reality.
To find out more and discover the latest opportunities for you and your business, visit www.ukeic.com now and sign up to the exclusive innovator hub. There you’ll be able see the latest calls for innovation and get updates direct to your inbox.
- Click here for innovation support
- Click here for current opportunities
Visit the EIC’s website and register now.
If you have an idea that could reshape or revolutionise the way we work, we want to hear from you.
Submit an idea