The heat pump trial undertaken by the national grid has reached its second phase. Referred to as the EQUINOX project, the investigation showcases the potential of heat pump flexibility to cut energy bills and alleviate peak electricity demand.
The project aims to use billing schemes to reward households that temporarily alter heating choices without compromising comfort, with the ultimate aim of creating a balance between electricity supply and demand over the winter. It began in 2022 and will continue until 2025.
In the first stage, 386 households were involved in intermittent heat pump shutdowns for two-hour periods, which resulted in a total turndown of 10.8MWH. The trial indicated the possibility of heat pump flexibility contributing to energy savings and releasing the strain on the electricity network during peak periods. Now, over 1,000 customers are taking part in the second stage of the trial.
The Head of Commercial and Operability at National Grid DSO, Matt Watson, underlines how the initial results from the trials “show that heat pump flexibility can help manage the demand on electricity through the distribution network while simultaneously saving customers money on their energy bills.”
