Tenants of Grampian Housing Association throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray will have the opportunity to install Voltalis’ technology, which modulates the flow of electricity automatically during peak periods. This technology not only reduces electricity consumption by on average up to 15% but also minimises energy waste, in turn lowering costs, and significantly reduces carbon emissions. This is all achieved without compromising the tenants’ comfort while supplying vital services to the grid.

Voltalis’ free and easy-to-install technology connects to existing electric heating and cooling appliances – essentially turning them into “smart appliances” that can be managed via Voltalis’ software. This gives Grampian Housing Association tenants an unprecedented level of control over and insight into their energy usage, without the need for major infrastructure changes. 

Grampian Housing Association’s decision to expand the rollout of Voltalis’ technology follows a successful deployment in several properties as part of the Power of HOMEs project. Supported by the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Power of HOMEs project demonstrates how domestic properties can deliver critical demand response services to the electric grid while optimising energy efficiency and cost savings for consumers.

This was one of thirteen projects involved in a government initiative which allocated a total of £8.57 million from 2018 to 2021 to foster innovation in demand side response (DSR) technologies and business models for domestic applications. With £396,925 awarded to Power of HOMEs, Voltalis equipped 500 homes to manage a variety of flexible appliances, including electric storage heaters, direct electric heating, heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and water heaters.

Dr Randall Bowen, managing director of Voltalis UK, said, “We are proud to bring our cutting-edge demand response technology to tenants of Grampian Housing Association. By helping households save energy and in turn reduce costs and lower carbon emissions, we are delivering tangible benefits to individuals while supporting the UK’s broader energy efficiency goals.”

Craig Stirrat, chief executive of Grampian Housing Association, added: “Our collaboration with Voltalis reflects our commitment to improving the lives of our tenants while advancing sustainability. The success of the Power of HOMEs project demonstrated the real impact this technology can have in reducing energy costs, and we are thrilled to now extend these benefits across more properties to help our tenants now and in the future.”

Grampian Housing Association is committed to ensuring its housing stock not only meets but exceeds the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) while achieving an EPC rating of C by 2028 – seven years ahead of the UK Government’s 2035 target.