North Lancashire and Cumbria power operator Electricity North West has claimed to have found a way of reducing the demand for electricity without customers noticing a difference to their supply.
The company has installed voltage controllers in its substations that could save customers around £100m over the next 25 years.
Engineering and technology director Steve Cox commented: “We are always looking at ways we can use new technology to improve service and reduce costs for our customers. By reducing the voltage across the whole network at tiny levels which are unnoticeable to end users, we can save a significant amount of power for the region.
“This ground-breaking approach can be used to help balance electricity supply and demand for the whole of Great Britain.
“This makes the network more flexible and importantly, helps save customers money.”
Electricity North West has awarded a contract to Schneider Electric to supply enhanced voltage controllers for up to 260 substations across the region.
Operations director for Schneider Electric James Allen added: “Schneider Electric is delighted to be working with Electricity North West on this innovative project using modern technology to make their power networks dynamic, responsive to customer needs and to reduce costs."
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