Major energy firm calls for smarter networks to cope with electric vehicle demand

A major UK energy firm has put forward plans for a smarter energy distribution network in the face of “significant” changes in the industry.

The rise of electric cars and homeowners generating, storing and selling their own electricity is a key concerns for the energy supply. Therefore, UK Power Networks, which supplies energy to London, the east and south east, says that because the way we use energy is changing, distribution must too.

Basil Scarsella, CEO of UK Power Networks, said: “We are on the verge of a change as significant for electricity as the advent of broadband was for telecommunications.

“We are working with policy makers, regulators, academia, small and medium-sized enterprises and importantly customers to lay the foundations for an exciting future, which will place customers in control of energy usage.”

UK Power Network’s Future Smart consultation focuses largely on ensuring the electricity network can cope with increasing EV uptake. Its plans involve bringing energy consumption management to a local level by giving consumers the power to control when they charge their car, for example, to make the most of off-peak savings and reducing strain on the grid.

Alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) sales, which includes EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, still make up a small percentage of the market, but the numbers are increasingly dramatically. In June, AFVs saw an increase of 29 per cent year-on-year, while year-to-date figures are up 27.5 per cent. Meanwhile, diesel sales dropped over the same period and petrol saw marginal increases.