Pilot project aims to support low income households with energy usage this Winter

equiwatt & ScottishPower partner with Energy Systems Catapult to enhance energy flexibility and support low-income and vulnerable consumers.

equiwatt, the leading independent residential energy management provider, and ScottishPower, the leading renewable energy company have launched an innovative project to conduct research and develop technology solutions that enable low income and vulnerable (LIV) people to benefit from using electricity flexibly and in turn potentially reducing their bills. The aim is to help vulnerable households across the UK.

Funding for the initiative is part of the Inclusive Smart Solutions (ISS) programme, a £2.75m programme funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The pilot, set to start testing this October and conclude in January 2025, will utilise equiwatt and ScottishPower's expertise to expand social inclusion in energy flexibility. The solutions will allow eligible households to gain rewards, save money, and contribute to a Net Zero carbon future.

Through the ISS program, the goal is to better understand the needs of low income and vulnerable users and create accessible, user-friendly, and affordable smart energy products, increasing their participation in flexibility events, such as National Grid ESO’s Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) events. Potential features could include voice activation and enhanced automation to remove barriers to participation.

Citizen’s Advice research indicates that many LIV consumers are unaware of energy flexibility or find current technology products too complex or expensive. With the UK's electricity operator, ESO, estimating that 3.7 million households must regularly participate in peak energy Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) events by 2035, engaging those on low income or vulnerable is crucial.

equiwatt and ScottishPower will conduct direct consumer research to understand the specific needs of the LIV community, ensuring solutions are affordable and accessible. The initial target group of eligible households will include those on prepayment meters, with engagement programs led by equiwatt and ScottishPower.

Dr Johnson Fernandes, founder and CEO of equiwatt, stated:

"We’re committed to changing the way the UK consumes energy and contributes to our net zero target. Through our partnership with ScottishPower and the accessibility our technology provides, we’re able to bring those benefits to all, regardless of individual circumstance. Beyond the pilot we hope to accelerate the rollout across the LIV community."

Rob McGaughey, ScottishPower Head of Smart Heat and Cities, added:

"At ScottishPower, we believe everyone should benefit from efficient home energy usage. This project aims to address the key participation barriers for low income and vulnerable groups, proving that contributing to a greener grid and cheaper energy bills is accessible to all."

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