There is an opportunity to improve the current method of capturing and actioning on vulnerable customers needs in both planned and unplanned system outages.
Security of Supply for Vulnerable Consumers (SSVC) aims to identify and test applicable technologies as part of a system and communication restoration and develop a technology/scenario support tool to enable effective decision-making during loss of supply incidents.
Planning to respond and protect the most vulnerable consumers following either planned (for example for maintenance) or unplanned (for example due to storm damage) system outages is a challenging process that relies heavily on staff expertise, local knowledge and manual data processing. This situation means that, despite best efforts, some consumers may be left without energy supplies and communications for periods of time that can lead to emergency situations.
Benefits
SSVC will benefit consumers in vulnerable situations by improving the method of capturing and actioning on individual needs during loss of supply incidents.
Learnings
Outcomes
The project’s outcomes were delivered through three work packages as detailed below.
WP1: Technology Identification.
- Detailed literature review, supported by stakeholder interviews, to identify suitable technology. Over 50 solutions were identified.
- Scenario action plans created to align with identified technologies with impact scenarios and categories of vulnerability that would require those technologies.
WP2: Lab Testing
- Lab testing of shortlisted solutions validated the effectiveness of technology in providing rapid and reliable power cut resupply for vulnerable customers. Insight from the consumer impact panel emphasised the urgent need for back up power for critical medical equipment during outages.
- Various medical equipment (including nebuliser, sleep apnoea and medical bed) were tested for compatibility and to enable simulated load tests.
- Key findings from the lab tests show that all batteries tested discharged around 15% more quickly than outlined in their specifications. However, in general they performed as expected based on their capacity and compatible with all medical equipment tested.
WP3: Scenario Response Plan
- Scenario response plans outlined the deployment strategies for different outage scenarios, ensuring efficient distribution of high capacity and lower capacity batteries to support vulnerable customers during power disruptions.
Lessons Learnt
Building bespoke battery with integrated monitoring: To enhance the effectiveness of battery deployment during power outages, there is potential value in developing a bespoke battery system with built-in monitoring capabilities. This would allow real-time tracking of battery status, including charge levels and health, enabling proactive maintenance and replacement planning.
Community partnership: Strengthen partnerships with local emergency services and community organisations to enhance coordination and information dissemination during power outages. Collaborative efforts could lead to more effective identification and prioritisation of vulnerable customers, ensuring that battery systems are deployed to those in most urgent need.
