PAS 1879: Energy smart appliances issued for public consultation

The development of PAS 1879 is part of BSI’s Energy Smart Appliances Programme, sponsored by BEIS. This PAS sets out a common definition of demand side response services for actors operating within the consumer energy supply chain and provides recommendations to support the operation of energy smart appliances (ESA). The move to such a flexible energy system plan is an important part of the Government’s wider Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan (see Statement from BEIS, below), and is a core component of Ofgem’s future-facing work to enable the energy system transition. A key objective of the plan is that consumers are more directly involved in managing demand in the electricity system through smart appliances that react to the availability of electricity on the grid in determining their operational cycle.By using standards to assist with the market structure that the energy system is entering, consumers can be protected from new risks, such as cyber-attacks, and be encouraged to be more involved. For example, by enabling interoperability through standardization, consumers can have a free choice of appliances from different manufacturers that are able to communicate effectively and provide DSR services through any service provider the consumer has contracted with. Howard Porter, the chair of the SAG and Chief Executive of BEAMA, the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems, has voiced his support for the programme, saying:We see the development of these standards as vital for giving guidance to industry, ensuring there is flexibility with energy systems and ESAs are rolled out in a safe and secure manner. The SAG therefore encourages everyone to provide constructive feedback to support the development of these PASs.