The University of Strathclyde is partnering on SNUG (Smarter Network Upgrades), a project to trial retrofit measures in up to 300 homes, helping social landlords lower electricity demand at the busiest times of day.

Led by UK Power Networks through Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund, SNUG aims to create a practical, scalable route for social housing providers to earn flexibility revenues by safely reducing or shifting demand during early-evening peaks. Flexibility sees organisations paid to adjust their electricity use at specific times so networks don’t have to spend money on infrastructure where it is not needed.

Verified savings

Working with distribution network operators and housing partners, the project will test how retrofitted energy-efficiency measures, such as insulation and controlled electric heating, can reliably cut peak demand and support the decarbonisation of home heating.

Strathclyde’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC), supported by colleagues in the Energy Systems Research Unit, will provide testing, validation and data-assurance to demonstrate that peak-time reductions are measurable and dependable, enabling landlords to be fairly rewarded for verified savings, including households without smart meters.

The programme is progressing to larger-scale demonstrations. Alongside UK Power Networks, partners include Northern Powergrid, Sia Partners and the Centre for Sustainable Energy, with local authorities and suppliers taking part in the trials.

Dr Priya Bhagavathy, Lead Research & Development Engineer at PNDC, said: “Opening flexibility markets to social landlords is a practical step towards a fairer energy transition. PNDC’s role is to test and validate the methods that turn retrofit into reliable peak-time demand reductions – so landlords can be paid with confidence and tenants feel the benefits.”