Flash update

Gas networks call for ideas from outside the industry: £20M funding available for innovation

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The UK’s gas networks want ideas for innovation that can deliver cost, carbon or environmental benefits for customers.

The companies will be able to access innovation funding of up to £20 million per annum through the Networks Innovation Competition (NIC) and Ofgem requires them to seek ideas from third parties. The companies are jointly call is for ideas to be taken forward into the 2018 competition. 

Networks are looking for ideas that offer:

  • Lower prices for customers 
  • Lower operating costs
  • Environmental benefits, including lower carbon emissions
  • Real innovation

The Energy Networks Association, which is managing the call for ideas, said it encouraged third parties who wish to submit an idea to use the Initial Screening Process (ISP) proforma as a basis for their application (Gas NIC ISP Proforma).

Ideas should be submitted to [email protected] by 31 December 2017. A decision will be made by 31 January 2018.