Starting in late 2027, Great Britain plans to implement remote throttling of heat pumps to limit high electricity grid loads during winter. This move is driven by the electrification of heating systems, which significantly increases electricity demand during cold spells. Periods of frost and low wind are particularly critical, as heat pumps run for longer durations while the availability of wind power may be reduced. Consequently, licensed providers would be able to temporarily reduce or shift the energy consumption of participating units. However, households would have to explicitly consent to such an arrangement; current plans do not entail a mandatory shutdown of all devices. Nevertheless, depending on the building, such intervention could temporarily reduce the available heating output.
New heating appliances to be controllable from late 2027
The British government plans to require new electric heating appliances to be equipped with a smart control function. Under the current draft, this requirement takes effect on December 31, 2027. It covers heat pumps, hybrid systems, thermal storage units, and certain hot water appliances with a capacity of up to 45 kilowatts. The plan allows for heat pump output to be throttled via signals from a utility company or flexibility service provider; however, users must be able to modify or completely remove any preset operating schedules.
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In addition, a licensing system is being developed for companies that remotely control electrical loads. Ofgem expects the underlying regulations to be ready by the end of 2026. However, the licensing requirement is not scheduled to take effect until the end of 2027, following a twelve-month transition period. The regulator aims to protect consumers, grid stability, and digital systems through these measures. A final decision regarding the completed consultation is still pending.
Limits to throttling heat pumps during severe frost
However, National Grid points out significant limitations to this type of control during particularly cold weather. Under such conditions, heat pumps require more electricity and operate for longer periods. Consequently, in a statistical “extreme winter” scenario, the flexibility measures studied reduced peak grid demand only marginally; often, they merely shifted consumption to a later time. Furthermore, fewer households might be willing to voluntarily throttle their heating on very cold days.
Other field trials, however, yielded more favorable results under normal winter conditions. In the EQUINOX project, 85 percent of participants noticed no change—or only a slight change—in comfort levels. In the HeatFlex trial, nine out of ten households accepted having their systems controlled by a service provider. Nevertheless, some participants adjusted their behavior to maintain indoor temperatures. Therefore, the results cannot be applied without qualification to periods of extreme frost.
Remote control creates new attack surfaces
The throttling of heat pumps also heightens the importance of cybersecurity. In the future, a single operator could control many thousands of devices simultaneously. Consequently, companies managing a total controlled load of 300 megawatts or more are required to meet stricter security standards. Smaller providers must also comply with regulations regarding operational safety and consumer protection. Furthermore, the devices must be capable of independently rejecting dangerous or harmful control signals.
Nevertheless, these plans do not establish a general mandate for heating rationing. They do, however, lay the technical and legal groundwork for controllable private electricity loads. Lower tariffs are intended to encourage households to participate voluntarily. Yet, the benefits remain limited if cold weather causes a simultaneous, sharp spike in electricity demand. Great Britain must therefore continue to expand its grids and secure generation capacity.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: Financial Times (22.07.26) – The Guardian (21.07.26) – Burmingham Live (20.07.26) – The Sun (20.07.26) – The Telegraph (19.07.26)