The ‘Mousetrap’: Challenges of the Fluctuating Demand on the Electricity Grid in the UK

Abstract Currently, in the UK power demand fluctuates throughout day, especially during wintertime. The shape of curve resembles profile a ‘mouse’. Around tail area energy consumption increases gradually, and that represents early morning hours which eventually flattens until evening. head ‘mouse’ evening load on grid peaks sharply. These sudden surges could potentially damage leading to possible blackouts. In addition, this makes it difficult depend renewable such as wind turbines solar panels without use storage. To examine link between people’s behaviour grid, Covid-19 lockdown patterns were explored was time change behaviour. Even COVID-19 restrictions, had an impact lives, did not significantly change; followed same compared pre post Covid periods, but pandemic levels slightly lower. results suggests order improve stability demand, hence remove ‘mousetrap’, alternatives using combined with electric thermal storage systems can be integrated into lead flatten curve.