First-of-its-kind electricity system developed in the North-west to be rolled out nationally

A first-of-its-kind electricity system pioneered by Stockport based Electricity North West is set to be rolled-out nationwide, potentially saving energy customers £1 billion a year.

Developed by regional electricity network operator, Electricity North West, the system known as CLASS, helps National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) smooth out the spikes and dips in electricity demand and supply across Great Britain. The system reduces, by very small amounts, the amount of power used by everything from streetlights to everyday household devices.  The reductions are not noticeable to the human eye and does not affect the appliances but amount to massive savings when added up across the UK power grid.

Energy sector regulator, Ofgem, has now given the green-light for the system to be rolled out nationally, describing it as low cost and reliable technology that will reduce the risk of power cuts when demand is high. Originating from an Ofgem innovation seed fund, the regulator has now further praised CLASS, recognising it as the only project to receive an award in its latest assessment of network company innovations.

Ian Smyth, Electricity North West’s CEO, said:

“We work tirelessly to develop energy solutions which reduce costs, improve service and maximise network reliability for the people and businesses of the North West.  We’re proud of the teams that built this system. We’re very pleased with this further endorsement of our solution.

“As well as saving customers money, CLASS also has huge benefits for the environment. When National Grid ESO needs to balance the supply and demand of electricity in real time, they can either choose to fire up generators powered by fossil fuels or use technology like CLASS which provides the same benefit at a lower cost without creating any harmful emissions.”

Steven McMahon, Deputy Director, Onshore Networks, Price Control Setting at Ofgem added:

“We know that to achieve decarbonisation without placing unnecessary pressure on consumer bills will require all the technological innovation that the energy system can muster.  Innovation offers us huge opportunities to revolutionise how and when we use energy – through testing new technologies, new process, new IT and data opportunities that can help maximise efficiency.

“CLASS is a prime example of this, initially funded through Ofgem’s innovation programme. The technology has clear benefits to consumers through lower bills and also has the potential to help reduce harmful emissions. We hope that our new Strategic Innovation Fund will continue to fund more ground-breaking innovation projects like CLASS in years to come.”

CLASS was deployed over two years ago and Electricity North West customers have seen their electricity bills reduce by £7.3 million as a result.  Additionally, all Great Britain’s energy consumers received benefits from lower national grid balancing costs.