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BPLightlog
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BPLightlogSuper User
Super User
October 19, 2022

Power Use and Grid balancing

  • October 19, 2022
  • 15 replies
  • 196 views

This is more gathering thoughts from power suppliers and those in the know than a question for the general user. 
Given the increasing cost of power for the consumer, the drive towards electrification with EV’s and the need to balance the grid network, which is more important - reducing power use or moving power consumption to off peak ?

I would imagine that government have instructed power companies to follow a route towards reducing power need, however, as the modern family adds technology to its everyday use, the general requirements will undoubtedly increase. 
Coupled with this, the UK grid is currently not best placed to cope with increasing demand, especially at peak times if significant extra requirements such as EV are added to the mix

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    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper UserAuthor
    Super User
    October 25, 2022

    Trail that Octopus are involved with

    https://octopus.energy/blog/equinox-flexibility-trial/

    Lots of info there @Jeffus - just what I like!

    It’s good also to see some work being done in this area, especially as technology and devices become more widespread 

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    Jeffus
    Rank 20
    October 25, 2022

    Interestingly electricity demand has been decreasing year on year, although obviously we have very few heat pumps and electric vehicles so far apart from the early adopters. 

    Another interesting site for those that like these sort of things, including the above screen shot. 

    https://grid.iamkate.com

    They are all basically using the same open data set that anyone can access. 

    There is also the Octopus Agile data that is used in many home automation systems. 

     

      BPLightlog
      Super User
      BPLightlogSuper UserAuthor
      Super User
      October 25, 2022

      Thanks @Jeffus , I had seen similar stats elsewhere but I’m not sure that the last few years can be taken as ‘normal’. Earlier years, certainly with the drive towards more efficient machinery. 
      You are right of course about the limited take up of EV and such like at present and there is the problem of the supply infrastructure not being built for those sort of loads, especially in cities. 
      As with so much else, it will be a mix of technology, legislation and the supply/demand balance which will begin to make it’s mark. 

      Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
        Jeffus
        Rank 20
        Jeffus
        Rank 20
        October 30, 2022

        Record day for wind on the 26th Oct. 

         

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