As an innovative company, just waiting and seeing isn’t something we do. We must plan for what might happen in energy use between now and 2023 and beyond. We don’t like the idea of a future where electricity demands by time, place or capability can’t be met. Or a future where human and environmental progress is held back.
That is why we are piloting the future now. We are testing, partnering and experimenting with a number of initiatives (many of them supported by Ofgem). We are thinking now about the implications when more homes or communities will generate their own renewable energy and thus change local energy supply and demand. How electric cars will change behaviour and electricity usage in the future is something we are thinking about now. We do it by piloting the future in real places, with real people and real businesses across the UK.

MY ELECTRIC AVENUE
Do you want to join My Electric Avenue? We need ten ‘electric avenues’ – groups of ten people or more – where each person will drive an electric car for 18 months to trial the new technology. For more details, visit the My Electric Avenue website. Our partners include: Nissan, EA Technology, Fleet Drive Electric, Zero Carbon Futures, Northern Power Grids.
THAMES VALLEY VISION
A £30 million partnership project to forecast the energy needs of a low carbon future. For more details, visit the Thames Valley Vision website. Our partners include: General Electric, Bracknell Forest Council, Honeywell, EA Technology, University of Reading, KEMA DNV.
NORTHERN ISLES NEW ENERGY SOLUTIONS (NINES)
A £45 million project to forecast how electricity and the grid can be managed more effectively in remote locations. For more details, watch our video. Our partners include: University of Strathclyde, Shetland Heat Energy & Power, Hjatland Housing Association, Smarter Grid Solutions.
POWER NETWORK DEMONSTRATION CENTRE
Smart grid research centre powers ahead in Cumbernauld. For more details, read our press release. Our partners include: University of Strathclyde, Scottish Power, Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise.