The Problem
Low voltage (LV) networks in the UK are the final part of the electricity infrastructure to reach customers.
The LV network is vital but has had far less investment compared to high voltage infrastructure. The system was designed to meet the needs of homes at the time they were first connected to the network.
The low carbon transition is radically changing the demands on the LV network. This is due to:
- Bidirectional power flows
- Dynamic half hourly tariffs
- Power electronics that create harmonic distortion
- The electrification of heating and transport.
Networks are committed to using smart solutions, including flexibility schemes that can be implemented before network constraints materialise, to modernise and reinforce the LV network. However, some areas need more options which are cheaper and faster to implement, examples include:
- Enhancing existing data to support better-targeted investment in the network
- Applying new data analysis methods to uncover insights that may not yet have been identified
- Creating improved demand forecasting methods that go beyond static After Diversity Maximum Demand assumptions
- Building a clearer understanding of phase imbalance, including how to reduce the cost and complexity of addressing its impact
- Developing a better understanding of customer needs, so engagement can build trust and support the uptake of low-carbon technologies
- Strengthening stakeholder engagement approaches
- Collecting feedback and applying it effectively at scale
- Making contractor and supplier procurement more efficient, while exploring partnership models that benefit communities, customers and network operators.
Preferred Output
The networks require new technologies, methods, models, algorithms and services that can help address these issues.
The output should specifically address:
- Evidence of benefits compared with doing nothing or continuing with current approaches
- How a solution can be scaled
- An indication of the unit costs
- An overview of barriers (eg legal, GDPR etc) to achieving business as usual deployment and your suggestions to mitigate them
- Your suggestions should consider practical context from the perspective of both the customer and network employee.
Deadline
The deadline for this opportunity is 11.59pm on 25 August 2026. Please submit your proposal above.
Questions?
If you have any questions relating to this opportunity, please email us. Your enquiry will be forwarded to the lead engineer, who will respond as soon as possible.