Smarten up

Appliances fitted with dynamic demand technology can modify their power consumption in response to supply and demand on the electrical grid. The first phase of the trial will see 300 fridges distributed to npower customers. Following this, a further 3,000 fridges and freezers of different types and models will be sent out, so that the carbon savings from dynamic demand technology can be assessed.

Andrew Howe, CEO of RLtec which has developed dynamic demand technology comments: "It’s effectively a silent solution as it doesn’t affect appliance performance in any way and no action is needed on the part of the consumer. We are really pleased to have Indesit Company as the manufacturing partner and are delighted that npower is supporting the trial through its CERT (Carbon Emissons Reduction Target) obligations."

CEO of the Indesit Company UK, Enrico Vita comments: "We are excited to be involved with this project, and to be playing a pioneering role in the world of smart grids. Indesit has a long history of innovating for the benefit of consumers and the environment. Indeed, our strong environmental credentials have won us numerous international awards over the years.

"The efforts of our highly specialised research team, working alongside RLtec in Italy and the UK, should lead to the first results of this trial coming through early next year"

Indesit is one of Europe’s largest producers of home appliances, having manufactured l5million appliances in 2008. These span fridges, freezers, washing machines, dryers, washer- dryers, dishwashers, ovens and hobs. The Group posted sales of E13 .2 billion.

The washing machines it makes for the European market consume 50% less energy and 60% less water than those produced ten years ago. In addition, its fridges consume only 375 of energy over an average life of 15 years, against Eli 500 of earlier models. It means that there has been an appreciable reduction in CO2 emissions.