Electricity network innovation has saved more than £263m on the network transformation since the beginning of RIIO-2 in 2021.
The Annual Innovation Strategy Report by the Energy Networks Association (ENA) tracks the impact of innovation across the UK’s electricity networks, including projects that have been deployed into business-as-usual network operations.
Benefits include lower bills, fewer interruptions and freeing up more network capacity for heat pumps, solar and electric vehicles connections.
An example of work is Northern Powergrid’s Artificial Forecasting project, which uses AI techniques to identify available network capacity. Another is SP Energy Networks’ VEST Enhancement Project, which uses enhanced data and mapping tools to identify barriers to low-carbon technology adoption.
David Boyer, Director of Electricity Systems at ENA, said: “In the last financial year alone, over 400 different organisations were involved as project partners in network innovation programmes, and nearly 50 of the new projects registered last year originated from external partners.
“As innovation moves from trial to deployment, networks will continue collaborating with partners to help deliver a more resilient, efficient and affordable energy system for consumers.”
Every year, networks commit millions of pounds through key funding mechanisms like the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) and the SIF, to help build the energy system of the future and deliver clean power by 2030.
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