How heat pumps can manage electricity demand while ensuring warmth has been revealed in the results of National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Equitable Novel Flexibility Exchange (EQUINOX) innovation project.
The project tested new, easy‑to‑understand billing approaches that rewarded customers for shifting their heating patterns at certain times of day. With more than 1,800 households taking part, it is one of the UK’s largest trials exploring domestic heat pump flexibility.
It found that customers shifted heating use without noticeable comfort loss, and pumps helped reduce pressure on local networks during busy periods.
Suppliers did not require bespoke product to make heat pump flexibility work at scale, and the project also found strong interest from participating households and suppliers, revealing simple, customer‑friendly design was key to engagement.
The results demonstrate the role that flexibility can play in helping manage the system as more households adopt heat pumps, alongside network upgrades needed to support long‑term demand.
EQUINOX was an Ofgem Network Innovation Competition funded project delivered in collaboration with Octopus Energy, ScottishPower, Sero, Guidehouse, Passiv UK, National Energy Action, West Midlands Combined Authority, Welsh Government and SP Energy Networks.
Octopus Energy and ScottishPower are already using the knowledge gained from EQUINOX into their business-as-usual operations.
Following feedback during the project, National Grid has developed a new Equitable Participation Framework to help industry to target heat pump support more effectively and ensure all customers benefit from flexibility services.
Ryan Huxtable, Innovation Programme Lead at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said:
“Customers will be relying on us more than ever before as they connect heat pumps and other low-carbon technologies, so it is important that we look at innovative ways to balance demand at key times.
“Our trials show heat pump flexibility can help manage the demand on electricity through the distribution network.
“Throughout the trials, households were able to shift heating use while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.”
Kieron Stopforth, Head of Flexibility at Octopus Energy, said:
“Heat pumps aren’t a strain on the grid – they’re part of the solution. EQUINOX shows that with simple, fair incentives, customers can shift their heating with no loss of comfort.
“Smart flexibility like this keeps bills down, eases pressure on the grid, and helps power Britain’s clean energy future.”
Image courtesy of National Grid Electricity Distribution
