The electrification of heat and transport is anticipated to drive substantial changes in the energy system, necessitating transformative, system-wide action on energy flexibility. Electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps (HPs) significantly increase household electricity demand, yet their impact on demand and system flexibility requirements has not been studied at scale. Flexibility in energy demand and the potential impacts of these emerging technologies are key topics in research, policymaking, and industry. For instance, the use of variable pricing, designed to incentivise demand flexibility, requires a careful balance and safeguards to achieve necessary demand reductions without penalising consumers, particularly those experiencing fuel poverty.

This research will investigate energy use in UK homes, the anticipated changes in the future, and the potential for demand flexibility. By analysing data from the Smart Energy Research Laboratory (SERL), developing data analytics and machine learning tools to study demand from EVs and HPs. The study will largely be on disaggregation which is crucial in this context as it allows for a detailed understanding of individual appliance usage within households, providing insights into specific demand patterns and flexibility opportunities. This granularity is essential for accurately assessing the impact of EVs and HPs on the energy system and for designing targeted interventions to optimise energy use.