by Dr Randall Bowen, UK Managing Director of Voltalis
As Britain heads into the summer months, electricity demand is set to drop due to longer daylight hours and warmer weather with sunny and breezy conditions boosting generation from renewable sources such as solar and wind. As a result, we can expect renewable output to exceed consumption at times, and this seasonal mismatch is one of the main operational challenges of decarbonising the energy system.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has highlighted that Britain is better prepared than ever for potentially record-low electricity demand this summer and is confident that years of investment in flexible grid infrastructure mean the system is well equipped to handle these low-demand, high-generation scenarios.
In recent years, NESO has significantly enhanced grid flexibility, meaning fluctuations caused by intermittent, decentralised clean power sources are easily dealt with. These flexibility tools, such as battery storage and interconnector cables, shift power where needed, enabling the grid to stay balanced when renewable output is high, but demand is low. And whilst this is a major milestone in the UK’s ongoing energy transition, the work doesn’t stop there.
The need for flexibility all year round
This readiness marks a major step forward, but the roll-out of flexibility solutions must be an ongoing focus to ensure grid resilience all year round. Winter is just months away and brings a different energy challenge with demand peaking sharply and the UK’s ongoing dependence on imported gas leaving it exposed to global price shocks, particularly if European gas storage levels fall. The result is likely to be higher bills and increased financial strain on households, especially those already facing fuel poverty.
That’s why flexibility can’t be treated as a seasonal solution, it needs to be an ongoing priority for all major stakeholders, from energy generators to wholesalers to moderators. By continuing to deploy practical solutions, such as scalable demand-side technologies now, we can reduce pressure on the system in a lasting, sustainable way. Acting now gives us a real chance to be ready to meet peak winter demand without relying on costly or carbon-intensive backup generation.
Demand response: Smart, scalable and ready to deliver
A major part of the solution needs to be the widespread adoption of demand response technology. Demand response technology is a truly flexible, immediately deployable solution that reduces energy demand and redistributes unused power when demand peaks and prices are high, helping to balance the grid, save consumers electricity and reduce their bills. When combined with sustainable electric appliances such as heat pumps and solar panels, this real-time management system can improve energy efficiency even more, cutting costs and lowering emissions.
Unlike costly retrofitting projects, demand response requires no major infrastructure changes and delivers immediate savings to consumers under pressure. Expanding its adoption and improving access to these innovative systems is crucial, if the UK is serious about tackling fuel poverty and accelerating its net-zero progress.
For instance, Grampian Housing Association has offered tenants in electrically heated properties the option to install demand response and energy-saving technology to improve heating efficiency and reduce costs. This technology connects to existing electric heating and cooling appliances, requiring no major infrastructure upgrades. It automatically modulates the flow of electricity during peak periods to cut consumption, minimise energy waste, lower costs, and significantly reduce carbon emissions, all while supplying vital services to the grid and without compromising tenants’ comfort.
What’s more, until recently, demand-side response at scale was considered unworkable, but with smart automation and AI, demand response technologies can now coordinate millions of devices, from heaters to EVs, without the need for user intervention. If rolled out nationally, demand response could deliver the same benefits at scale that organisations like Grampian Housing Association are already seeing.
Unlocking the UK’s hidden power
Thankfully, the UK is already on the right track when it comes to demand-side flexibility. NESO estimates that 10-12 gigawatts of demand side response, which is quadruple the current levels, is needed to effectively achieve national clean energy goals.
This goal may appear daunting, but recent moves from Ofgem have created encouraging conditions for demand response technology to speed up the UK’s energy transition and put 16 gigawatts of largely untapped flexible load in the UK’s existing building stock to work. As such, harnessing the flexibility potential of the UK is well within our collective grasp, so long as we are committed to long-term investment and upgrades.
The UK’s greater flexibility has the potential to balance the grid in real time, which in turn stabilises the wholesale energy market by ensuring a steady flow and reducing price volatility and the need for costly backup generation.
Building a resilient future
Britain’s grid is entering a new era of resilience, with flexibility at its core. As we navigate a summer of high renewable output and low demand, the real challenge lies ahead, in the winter months, when energy use surges, households face rising costs and support for energy bills dwindles.
By accelerating the rollout of demand-side technologies and unlocking the full potential of flexible assets, the UK can build a more efficient, sustainable and resilient energy system. Now is the time to act, before winter puts the system to the test.
