Inclusive Smart Solutions

Tender description

BEIS is seeking to procure a two-year research, design, and development contract to help achieve a step-change in access to, purchase of, and/or use of smart technologies, products and services amongst low income and vulnerable consumers. In the context of this work, 'low income and vulnerable consumers’ includes all energy consumers for whom an accessibility, usability or affordability issue may exist or arise in the transition to a smart, flexible energy system, potentially making it disproportionately challenging for them to benefit from new technologies, markets or business models. This work sits within the BEIS Net Zero Innovation Portfolio's £65m Flexibility Innovation Programme, which enables large-scale widespread electricity system flexibility through smart, flexible, secure, and accessible technologies and markets. Lot 1: BEIS is seeking to procure a two-year contract to help achieve a step-change in access to, purchase of, and/or use of smart technologies, products and services amongst low income and vulnerable consumers. Is it anticipated that this work will include approximately 6 months of primary research and engagement with low income and vulnerable consumers, informing approximately 18 months of design and development of commercially viable innovative solutions to meet these consumers’ needs. This innovation project follows a commitment in the Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan, published jointly by Government and Ofgem in 2021, to remove barriers for consumers who may otherwise struggle to participate in smart energy. This is important to help ensure the benefits of flexibility are accessible to all consumers. This work sits within the BEIS Net Zero Innovation Portfolio's £65m Flexibility Innovation Programme.