UK Power Networks (Operations) Limited is responsible for delivering electricity safely, efficiently, and reliably to 8.3 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England.  For this purpose, the electricity regulator Ofgem has commissioned UK Power Networks to implement a trial facility for active network management called ‘Active Response’ with the introduction of ‘the Soft Open Points’ electricity chamber.

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The purpose of a Soft Open Points Electricity Chamber is to enable electricity available from one section of the electricity grid to be transferred to another section.  This increases the flexibility of the electricity grid to respond to the highs and lows of demand during different parts of the day.  Three locations each in London Wimbledon and in Stevenage, Hertfordshire were selected to conduct this trial.   Merton Council and Stevenage Borough Council were consulted and notified of the proposed locations for the Soft Open Points electricity chambers.   

Following detailed investigation, it was concluded that the sites in Wimbledon were not suitable for the current trials.  Therefore, only the four locations identified in Stevenage will be taken forward to the next stage for implementation.

If successful, the Ofgem-sponsored trial equipment will be rolled out across the UK, resulting in improved power supplies. 

Learn more about the project: https://innovation.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/projects/active-response/