UK-based green energy supplier, Social Energy is reportedly working with UK Power Networks (UKPN) to develop a future-focused smart grid project that helps fulfill higher energy demand from electric heating, electric vehicles, and increasing population. As part of UKPN’s flexibility services program, homes of energy customers will be installed with a battery that will be used by Social Energy to supply additional power to the electricity network when required. The project, which is initially available to about 100 homes, is expected to deliver a smarter grid to a larger part of the UK over the forthcoming years. In the UK, network operators are attaining flexibility from businesses like Social Energy that work with customers to level energy supply and demand. This allows UKPN to manage its network, develop a more resilient grid and lower cost to customers. According to reports, customers of Social Energy across areas like South London, Hertfordshire and Kent will attain annual payment of £125 for four years for supporting UKPN and the future energy project that will help modernize the grid and maintain reliable energy supplies in the local area. By connecting a battery to Social Energy’s advanced technology, customers will be able to maximize their solar energy usage, receive best price for exporting additional energy to the grid and take advantage of low or potentially negative priced energy. Commenting on the move, Steve Day, CTO, Social Energy, said that their firm is delighted to be working with UKPN to be part of transforming energy for people in the area. For the uninitiated, the financial aid for battery installation is only available to those specific postcodes who are new to solar panels and battery storage systems as well as to those that already have solar panels installed, but are new to the Social Energy community. Source Credit: https://www.smart-energy.com/industry-sectors/smart-grid/social-energy-and-ukpn-partner-on-uk-smart-grid-development/