Low-carbon heating meets smart networks to deliver energy flexibility
UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DSO) is bringing heat pumps into its flexibility market, giving households new incentives to support a cleaner, smarter energy system.
Over 6,000 heat pumps are integrated into the electricity firm’s flexibility trading platform called Localflex, helping to balance the grid and accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
UK Power Networks’ DSO is enabling heat pumps to actively respond to grid signals across London, the East and South East. It means residents can pre-heat their homes when renewable energy is abundant and reduce consumption during peak times for energy use, mirroring the way electric vehicle owners can optimise charging times to save money.
To make it easier for households to participate, UK Power Networks has simplified payment rules and streamlined the process for registering, cutting approval times to just a day. It also coordinates with National Energy System Operator (NESO) service timelines, so consumers can support their local electricity network and also help balance supply and demand across Great Britain.
UK Power Networks is also trialling flexibility from heat networks through its flagship innovation project, Heatropolis. The four-year initiative is being trialed across three network archetypes, with King’s Cross serving as the benchmark site. It is exploring how heat distribution systems can be designed to optimise the ways heat and electricity networks work together. By using flexibility markets, Heatropolis is demonstrating how heat networks can help reduce costs and ease pressure on the grid as more households transition to electric heating.
Alex Howard, head of Flexibility Markets at UK Power Networks, said: “Flexibility from heat pumps, storage heaters and heat networks will be vital as the UK transitions to clean affordable energy. We’re working on making it easier for households and flexibility providers to get involved – cutting wait times, automating payments, and making it easier to participate in both local and national services without any hassle. This is all about making heating smarter, simpler, and more sustainable. With heat pumps joining EVs and batteries in providing flexibility, we are driving innovation in clean energy, helping to build a more resilient and sustainable energy system for the future.”
Octopus Energy is active in UK Power Networks’ flexibility markets, and TJ Root, Heat Flexibility manager said: “UK Power Networks’ innovation will help unlock the huge potential of flexible heating. Without lifting a finger, people will be able to save money, stay warm, and help make Britain’s energy greener by using heat pumps smartly.”
Published: 16/02/2026
Back to news
Over 6,000 heat pumps are integrated into the electricity firm’s flexibility trading platform called Localflex, helping to balance the grid and accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
UK Power Networks’ DSO is enabling heat pumps to actively respond to grid signals across London, the East and South East. It means residents can pre-heat their homes when renewable energy is abundant and reduce consumption during peak times for energy use, mirroring the way electric vehicle owners can optimise charging times to save money.
To make it easier for households to participate, UK Power Networks has simplified payment rules and streamlined the process for registering, cutting approval times to just a day. It also coordinates with National Energy System Operator (NESO) service timelines, so consumers can support their local electricity network and also help balance supply and demand across Great Britain.
UK Power Networks is also trialling flexibility from heat networks through its flagship innovation project, Heatropolis. The four-year initiative is being trialed across three network archetypes, with King’s Cross serving as the benchmark site. It is exploring how heat distribution systems can be designed to optimise the ways heat and electricity networks work together. By using flexibility markets, Heatropolis is demonstrating how heat networks can help reduce costs and ease pressure on the grid as more households transition to electric heating.
Alex Howard, head of Flexibility Markets at UK Power Networks, said: “Flexibility from heat pumps, storage heaters and heat networks will be vital as the UK transitions to clean affordable energy. We’re working on making it easier for households and flexibility providers to get involved – cutting wait times, automating payments, and making it easier to participate in both local and national services without any hassle. This is all about making heating smarter, simpler, and more sustainable. With heat pumps joining EVs and batteries in providing flexibility, we are driving innovation in clean energy, helping to build a more resilient and sustainable energy system for the future.”
Octopus Energy is active in UK Power Networks’ flexibility markets, and TJ Root, Heat Flexibility manager said: “UK Power Networks’ innovation will help unlock the huge potential of flexible heating. Without lifting a finger, people will be able to save money, stay warm, and help make Britain’s energy greener by using heat pumps smartly.”
Published: 16/02/2026
Back to news