AgilityEco publishes new research report
AgilityEco leads new research into energy efficiency investment strategies for electricity network operators
AgilityEco’s groundbreaking study for Northern Powergrid and NEA explores the potential for electricity network operators to invest in local schemes that improve energy efficiency for those who need it most.
AgilityEco, one of the UK’s leading experts in energy efficiency and carbon reduction, has released a major new research report investigating alternative investment strategies for electricity network companies to advance local demand reduction through energy efficiency.
The report, produced in collaboration with National Energy Action (NEA) and Northern Powergrid, looks at the possibility for network operators to divert funds allocated to load-related network upgrade schemes and using these to subsidise local schemes promoting energy efficiency improvements. This strategy would reduce the need to extend, upgrade or reinforce grid networks and focus on delivering energy efficiency savings and lasting benefits to Northern Powergrid consumers currently in the grip of fuel poverty. The study further explores the idea that reducing peak demand is socially, financially and environmentally better than creating extra network capacity to cope with increased peak demand.
The research identifies that investing in tangible measures, such as low energy lighting and water heater time switching, will allow network companies to deliver economic and social benefits, ultimately alleviating fuel poverty for their consumers.
Gearóid Lane, CEO of AgilityEco said: It was a privilege for AgilityEco to be selected by Northern Powergrid to work alongside NEA on this important project. The energy sector is changing, and it is encouraging to see network companies like Northern Powergrid get on board and explore ground-breaking ideas, such as the one studied in this report. This research explores the potential for a strategy that consists of network companies investing in targeted, local demand reduction through energy efficiency, as an alternative to network reinforcement. The improvement in energy efficiency would bring financial and well-being benefits to hard-pressed consumers. The joint contribution of all three parties brought collective insights into the size of the prize, the economic feasibility and the practical issues of such a strategy.
“This is yet another important piece of research we’ve produced. We’re delighted that our growing consultancy service is fast becoming the place to go for advice on energy efficiency, carbon reduction and renewable energy. Our complete independence ensures that we can produce fantastic research and maximise every opportunity for our clients.”
Jenny Saunders OBE, Chief Executive of NEA commented: “We have been delighted to work with AgilityEco and Northern Powergrid on this collaborative study investigating the potential for distribution network operators to make alternative investments such as domestic energy efficiency to avoid network reinforcement costs. We hope the results present some tangible opportunities to combine environmental, social and economic imperatives whilst delivering lasting benefits for Northern Powergrid’s customers”.
John Barnett, Commercial Director, Northern Powergrid said: "AgilityEco has produced a report that will shift the nature of the discussion from the abstract to the factual. It starts exploring some of the questions that spring to mind while considering this idea, and creates a stepping stone for further work. Some uncertainty remains, and the onus is now on ourselves and our partners to do more work in depth to understand better the constraints and opportunities identified in this report for distribution network operators to help alleviate fuel poverty.