Energy smart appliance interoperability

LCP Delta supported the UK government by assessing the Minimum Viable Product requirements for communication content between Energy Smart Appliances (ESAs) and Flexibility Service Providers (FSPs).

The client background

The UK government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) recognised the need to take a new approach in ensuring standardisation of communication ESAs and FSPs, that places fewer demands upon the appliance. They see this as important to accelerate the uptake of flexibility services, which are central to delivering a resilient energy transition at the lowest cost.

What the client needed and their key question(s)

DESNZ wished to understand what minimal communication content was needed between ESAs and FSPs for FSPs to be able to control the assets easily. In addition, they wished to understand current approaches that are typically taken at this communication interface, and the possible impact that future trends that may have on the requirements there.

Our solution

We hosted two workshops with DESNZ and our flexibility service experts, to understand their needs and present our approach. We assessed over 90 different datapoints across three different asset types and identified a shortlist necessary for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Our report discussed the key decisions to be made when determining a set of MVP data and commands and the future challenges that will impact these decisions.

Our impact

Our work provides an important holistic perspective that DESNZ will integrate into their further work with manufacturers and FSPs on developing an industry standard.