HOUSEHOLDS could benefit from cheaper energy bills under new Government AI plans.
Ministers are calling on researchers and tech experts to come up with ways of shifting electricity demand away from peak times like evenings and weekends.
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The grid often turns to gas-fired power stations, which are more polluting and expensive, during peak times.
An initial £4million has been pumped into funding the first year of a five-year “challenge”.
Boffins will be asked to look at ways of streamlining electricity supply which could eventually help households save money on their bills.
Examples could include:
- getting AI to predict how much energy we’ll use days ahead of time. It can do this by plugging in data from things like smart meters, weather forecasts, and when people have the telly on.
- automatically heating or cooling buildings when clean energy is most available, and at its cheapest.
- using parked electric cars as giant batteries – charging them when electricity is cheap and sending power back to the grid when it’s needed.
These innovations could reduce the need to build network infrastructure and new power plants, leading to lower energy bills for customers in the long-term, the Government said.
The plans come as part of the Government’s Plan for Change and drive to make Britain a cleaner energy-powered country.
The five-year project will be led by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) alongside the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Lord Vallance, science minister, said: “We’re calling on Britain’s brightest minds and innovative businesses to help us cut energy bills, boost energy security, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
“This is a challenge with real impact – if we get it right, we’ll save families money, protect the planet, and make the UK a clean energy superpower.”
The initial £4million of funding will be given to leading expert AI and energy businesses, universities and research organisations.
The programme will also look at where Government involvement and funding can help to get them moving and improve people’s lives more quickly.
Marzia Zafar, deputy director for Energy Systems Management and Security at Ofgem, said: “Encouraging energy companies and innovators to develop their AI capability and trial new products and services is key to a low carbon future, and at Ofgem we’re hugely supportive of those at the forefront of those efforts.
“I’m really excited to see how the new ideas this funding enables will lead to a more efficient and better functioning energy system for us all.”
New energy tariffs could save households £200 a year
Households could save £200 a year without having to cut back on electricity through new tariffs.
Bill payers could cut costs by signing up for time-of-use tariffs charging different rates based on wholesale demand.
Under plans announced by the government last month, households will be offered new ways of taking advantage of off-peak, lower electricity prices through flexible tariffs and smart tech.
Under the Clean Flexibility Roadmap, greater demand will be put on suppliers to make information on flexible tariffs more readily available.
Households will also be encouraged to sign up for tailored products and services based on electricity usage.
Meanwhile, electric vehicle drivers will be eligible for discounts on their electricity at off-peak times.
What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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