First customers see big savings from pioneering E.ON Next and Northern Powergrid battery trial

Accessing the benefits of clean energy often takes an upfront investment, changes to behaviour or learning new technology, to tackle this, E.ON Next teamed up with Northern Powergrid to offer batteries to homes in two areas where fuel poverty affects up to 12% of households, and Battery Boost Trial customers are already seeing savings on their bill without having to change how and when electricity is used.

The joint initiative, which launched in Crowle, northern Lincolnshire, and Starbeck, North Yorkshire, in June, uses batteries funded by E.ON Next and Northern Powergrid to store electricity during cheaper times of the day (typically off-peak hours between 10pm and 8am) ready for use at peak times (typically between 5pm and 8pm), stabilising grid demand and lowering customers' bills.

The batteries are used alongside home insulation – also provided free of charge to eligible homes through the trial – to increase energy efficiency of eligible homes’ heating and maximise the value the batteries deliver. Offering customers lower energy costs and providing the grid with more stable demand, the combination approach is already delivering great results.

Ramona Vlasiu, Chief Operating Officer at E.ON Next, said: “Batteries are fast becoming the smart choice for customers looking to cut their bills and take greater control of their energy use. Early results from our pilot are really encouraging, and we’re inviting more households to get involved.

“Clean energy shouldn’t be out of reach for those who need it most. Through our partnership with Northern Powergrid we’re helping families to access instant savings without changing how they use electricity.

“Households can play a vital role in the UK’s transition to net zero energy – and with battery storage and other innovative solutions, we can make affordable, clean energy a reality for everyone.”

Customers taking part in the pilot will incur no upfront costs and will benefit from E.ON Next's dedicated support throughout the process. Batteries are fitted on the outside of their homes and are quiet and discreet. Residents of Crowle and Starbeck who own their own homes can still apply to join the trial. More information can be found here.

 

“I'm hoping it'll also save me some money, whilst helping the environment.”

Janet from Knaresborough was initially intrigued by the trial for environmental reasons, but quickly realised it would have a knock-on effect in lowering her electricity bills over time, and help her continue to enjoy her love of baking – something she’d had to cut back on because of the rising cost of running her oven.

Speaking about the trial, Janet said: “The world is changing. The climate is changing, and we've got to progress. That's what really piqued my curiosity about this initiative. But I'm hoping it'll also save me some money, whilst helping the environment.
“I think we've all felt a rising cost of energy and tried to adapt and make changes. You make cutbacks, you tighten your belt, you wash clothes at lower temperatures etc. I'm a keen baker, but even that has suffered. I don't make any big cakes anymore because they take too long in the oven.
“Dealing with E.ON was very straightforward. I thought it might be complicated, but they explained it all to me and went through it in layman's terms. I would definitely recommend getting a battery. Yes, definitely. Go ahead!”

Pete Thomas, a grandfather from Crowle was also drawn to the trial for environmental reasons, hoping that future generations will feel the benefit of more efficient energy consumption. He would encourage his fellow residents to also take part and feel the benefits.
Pete said: “What's the downside? There isn't one. There has been no downside for me. It's there and it may help lots and lots of other people too.”

Fellow Crowle resident Angus Townley hopes that along with savings, he will feel the positive impact from the batteries providing the grid with more stable demands.

“I don't know why people wouldn’t join the pilot,” he said. “It seems to me all the benefits are on the consumer side. We occasionally have blackouts in the area here, not very often, but once or twice last year so hopefully that'll give us some resilience. The installation went smoothly and I'm getting money back.“

Residents across the two regions are already feeling the benefit of having had batteries and insulation installed, and E.ON Next, along with Northern Powergrid are encouraging anyone else who is interested to contact E.ON Next on 0800 404 5020 or via hi@eonnext.com, including “NPG battery” in the subject heading.

With only 30 spaces remaining, anyone interested is being encouraged to get in contact before the end of November to take advantage of the £40 per month credit and free battery installation.