Energy Saving Trust’s response to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Call for Evidence on routes to market for energy efficiency as an alternative to generation and network reinforcement.
As more intermittent renewables like wind, are integrated into the electrical system, the ability of the grid to react flexibility becomes more important. Whilst this ‘gap’ can be plugged through fast responding generators (such as gas plants), there is a growing interest in how demand-side measures (not using energy, either for an agreed period or, indefinitely) could play a role. Smart meters will enable us to attach a price to such behaviours and could in the future provide a new subsidy for retrofitting your home.