Flexitricity created and now operates the first, largest and most advanced smart grid system in the UK – bringing revenue to UK businesses, increasing asset reliability, reducing national CO2 emissions and helping to secure energy supplies for a low carbon economy.

Together with UK Power Networks we are committed to developing a smarter electricity network that embraces the interests of London. Industrial and commercial customers will be financially rewarded for a more flexible and 'greener' approach to their electricity demand.

What is Low Carbon London?

Low Carbon London (LCL) is a £30 million programme driven by UK Power Networks, largely funded through energy industry regulator Ofgem's Low Carbon Network Fund to help develop smart electricity networks in Britain.

Over the next few years, many changes are expected; electricity sources will become more varied, a significant growth in electric car use, and every home in Britain is due to have a smart meter installed. Electricity network operators, such as UK Power Networks, must adapt and constantly innovate to address the challenges that these changes will bring.

Through LCL, Flexitricity will be deploying established technologies into the initiative, delivering real revenues to your organisation and the London economy while reducing carbon at a national level.

Which organisations are candidates for LCL?

Most businesses and non-commercial organisations are sitting on untapped sources of revenue, in their standby generators, electricity consuming equipment and combined heat and power (CHP) generators. Flexitricity provides access to this revenue, which can exceed £100,000 per annum on a single, medium-sized industrial site. Within our Low Carbon London remit we are recruiting medium-to-large companies and non-commercial organisations to deploy demand side management and flexible generation services – this is where we interact with on-site systems and equipment to turn-down your energy demand or utilise your electricity generating equipment to help us balance electricity supply and demand at a local or national level.

How will my organisation benefit from participating in LCL?

Both LCL and National Grid will pay Flexitricity to keep reserve capacity available, and make further payments when this reserve electricity is required. We share these payments with clients, who own the assets we use. This turns assets which had previously been cost items into direct revenue
generators. By working with Flexitricity, London-based organisations can demonstrate to their stakeholders that they are using their assets in the most cost-effective and environmentally beneficial manner.

How does Flexitricity's system work?

Our smart grid system communicates directly with clients' equipment via an on-site Flexitricity outstation which controls generation or turns-down consumption within minutes of receiving a request from UK Power Networks or National Grid.
Your building/facility may have standby diesel generators on-site that provide a back-up power supply for your operations, or you may be generating your own electricity using combined heat and power (CHP) equipment. You may also have electrical loads which can be turned down for a few hours without affecting core business. All assets connected to Flexitricity's smart grid are monitored remotely and clients benefit from us making sure that equipment is working as expected.
All client sites can 'opt out' either manually or automatically at any time. Flexitricity doesn't attempt to use equipment at any site if doing so would affect your core operations.

What happens next?

LCL has been designed to promote good experience and ensure genuine customer engagement – therefore the most important step is to establish if your business is technically able to participate.

Please tell us more about your on-site equipment by completing this short form or call us on 0845 223 5334.

For more information about Low Carbon London please go to www.lowcarbonlondon.info