Midland Heart are working in partnership with Glen Dimplex and Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, on a roll out of over 500 smart storage heaters, over 1MW of power, across affordable housing, supported living and retirement living schemes in the West Midlands.
Demand Side Response (DSR) is a more sustainable approach to energy usage, helping businesses and customers benefit from a stable and greener supply of energy. Smart storage heaters integrated with DSR capability will respond to changes in the National Grid, charging and releasing heat at off-peak times, a more cost-effective approach with no impact on the comfort of residents.
The National Grid plays a vital role in distributing energy to customers and communities. DSR participation helps to stabilise this electricity supply, keeping people warm and the lights on in their homes.
Muiris Flynn, Chief Technical Officer at Glen Dimplex, said: “Smart storage heaters are one of the most cost-effective forms of electric heating, and can help social housing providers to combat fuel poverty. By aligning with renewable generation, we’re providing a low carbon, maintenance free, simple to install and easy to use heating system that ensures comfort whilst helping to make residents’ bills affordable.”
Jonny Mobbs, Head of Sustainability at Midland Heart added, “We've created an ambitious carbon reduction plan that will help us to achieve net zero in the homes we rent, the homes we build and the way we work by 2050. We're working with contractors including British Gas to make our homes more sustainable, and we’re proud to be pioneering the latest, smartest technology with the support of our residents.
"This is the first time that smart storage heaters have been used to balance the National Grid. We’re encouraging more residents and organisations to join us and reap the rewards with no compromise to comfort in their homes.”
The pioneering trial will run for between 1-2 years and provide ‘real life’ feedback to support a smarter National Grid for the UK.
