ev.energy signs with SPEN to provide flexibility services across Scotland
ev.energy has signed a £3.2m contract with SP Energy Networks to provide 22MW of flexibility services across central and southern Scotland starting in May 2023. The qualification and bidding process was facilitated by the flexibility services marketplace, Piclo.
Through the award-winning ev.energy app, EV owners in SP Energy Networks’ license areas will be able to allow ev.energy to automate when their car is charged through the software platform.
The algorithm of the app will ensure EV drivers get the cheapest energy rate available and charge their car when there is minimal strain on the energy grid.
Customers will be able to track and access home and on-the-go charging, and can earn rewards for charging, including money off their energy bills.
By shifting away from peak hours, ev.energy’s platform also reduces the average EV drivers carbon emissions by up to 20%.
With the average household energy consumption doubling to facilitate EV charging at home, unlocking the equal distribution of energy using new home energy technologies (such as EVs, solar or battery storage) could help ease the impact of the current energy crisis and would be a significant step towards achieving 2030 Net Zero goals.
William Goldsmith, Head of Grid Services at ev.energy, said: “Scaling our Virtual Power Plant is a win for customers, for the environment and for the energy industry. All drivers need to think about is plugging their car in and setting a ‘ready-by time’ – its ultimate convenience. We’re proud to work with SP Energy Networks and the example they’re setting to advance their network capabilities and supporting the drive to Net Zero.”
Gerard Boyd, Head of Whole System and Commercial at SP Energy Networks, said: “Following the success of our spring 2022 flexibility tender, we’re delighted to be moving forward with ev.energy on this new contract – a first of its kind in Scotland.
“Flexibility is fast becoming a critical part of our work to develop a smarter energy network, and having providers like ev.energy working with us is a clear sign that this emerging market presents fantastic opportunities to be a part of the energy transition.
“We’re proud to be leading the way in exploring a range of innovative flexibility-led solutions as we build the network of the future for our customers and communities.”
ev.energy became the first software platform to successfully demonstrate commercially shifting energy consumption from the power grid using only electric vehicles in December 2019.
After receiving £754k in funding from InnovateUK as part of UK Research and Innovation’s Prospering from the Energy Revolution programme, the team at ev.energy have been helping to stabilize the UK power grid through their virtual EV power plant.
