Displacement of Conventional Domestic Energy Demands by Electricity: Implications for the Distribution Network

Abstract

Using off-peak electricity for domestic loads instead of burning fuel can reduce CO₂ emissions. Two loads are considered: electric vehicles, which displace petrol and diesel, and electric space and water heating, which displaces natural gas.

The paper uses experimental evidence based on case studies, together with estimates based on existing information, to calculate the extra electricity demand which might result from changing to electricity. The resulting figures are used to estimate how much demand could be met without reinforcement of the distribution infrastructure, and what reinforcement might be needed if all the demand is to be met by electricity.

It is shown that charging of electric vehicles can be accommodated, in most cases without reinforcement of the distribution network. However, electric domestic space and water heating would require reinforcement, unless very stringent efficiency improvements can be achieved.