Smart Meter Load Control Device Trial

Tender description

This is a two stage SBRI. In Phase 1, BEIS will fund up to 5 feasibility studies to scope the design and trial of a smart meter load control device, including giving detail on what functionality will be tested and in what context. Phase 2 will involve selecting and contracting with up to 2 of the above studies/consortia who will each design, build, test, commercially product assure (CPA) and trial the devices, at a scale of around 100 homes, based on existing HCALCS specifications as described above. HCALCS are specified in Smart Energy Code (SMETS - Schedule 9) and there is existing functionality built into Data Communications Company (DCC) systems to support these devices, but to date no such devices have been manufactured at scale and used. BEIS is procuring the design, build and trial these first of the kind devices, to demonstrate load control using smart meter communications infrastructure to manage domestic electricity loads such as EVs. Consortiums applying for this SBRI must include an Electricity Supplier & a Meter and/or Charge Point Manufacturer, but could also include a DNO and other parties, such as EV manufacturers and aggregators. Procurement will be split into two main stages: Phase 1: Feasibility Up to 5 contracts will be awarded to develop a feasibility study which will include device and trial designs, setting out what functionality will be tested, and which partners will be involved and their respective roles. After the feasibility stage there will be a gateway based on evaluation of feasibility studies, resulting in up to 2 contracts being awarded for full design build and trial. Phase 2: Full device design, build and test Involves design, build, testing and pursuance of Commercial Product Assurance of the device by up to 2 consortia. The design and build will include development of "works like, looks like" prototype device and manufacture to scale of ~100 devices, and test will include end to end testing of device functionality and supporting business process. Trial Design trial, install devices, manage trial in homes, device removal, trial analysis and write up. Trial should primarily test the ability of smart meter comms infrastructure and connected device to manage/ moderate load of a domestic device, such as an electric vehicle, in response to signals sent by the electricity supplier, but could test other functionalities as proposed by the selected bidder. The project will produce a 'specification scoping document' at the end of the trial, which will establish any missing use cases identified through the trial and provide a basis for development of a full new device specification by BEIS, with a view to this being adopted into the SEC. This component will be led by a third party that are currently being contracted by BEIS but bidders will be expected to engage in the process to develop it. This contract is expected to run from January 2019 to March 2021. Overall budget: up to ~£3.25M in total.