Innovation Hub

This section outlines the funding, services and tools we offer to support innovators and promote innovation in the energy sector. 

Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)  

A £450m fund designed to drive the innovation needed to transform gas and electricity networks for a low-carbon future. 

Open to the Electricity System Operator and electricity and gas transmission and distribution companies working in partnership with other innovators. 

Visit the Strategic Innovation Fund page to find out more. 

Network Innovation Allowance (NIA)

A set allowance each network has as part of their price control that provides limited funding to enable them to take forward innovation projects that have the potential to address consumer vulnerability and/or deliver longer–term financial and environmental benefits for consumers, which they would not otherwise undertake within the price control.  

Visit the Network Innovation Allowance page to find out more. 

Fast Frank Feedback 

Support for innovators looking for feedback on the regulatory implications of their propositions or help navigating the sector. 

Open to organisations of any size and at any stage of development aiming to introduce an innovative product, service or business model. 

Visit the Fast Frank Feedback page to find out more and access support. 

Energy Regulation Sandbox 

The Sandbox can help innovators trial or bring to market new propositions without some of the usual rules applying. 

It’s open to innovators who intend to (or already) operate in a regulated energy market, want to offer something different but are facing a ‘rule-based’ barrier.

Find out more about the Sandbox and how to access support.

Future Regulation Sandbox

The Future Regulation Sandbox (FRS) is an innovative policy instrument which will enable Ofgem to test and trial changes to the energy rulebook before making them. 

In October 2023, we consulted on proposals to introduce the Future Regulation Sandbox, painting our vision for it and asking for stakeholder views on how the Future Regulation Sandbox could best be implemented to maximise its benefits. This document sets out our next steps based on the feedback we have received. 

Guides 

Open-resource advice and guidance documents for innovators and their enablers.

Taking charge: selling electricity to Electric Vehicle drivers provides guidance on what rules apply when selling electricity to electric vehicle drivers, covering a range of different scenarios.

Selling electricity to consumers: what are your options? sets out the different options for supplying electricity to consumers, how they work within the licensing system, and the different rules and regulations which you need to consider.

Explore the project supported by the Strategic Innovation Fund and the Network Innovation Competition on the Energy Networks Association Smarter Networks Portal.

See the case studies of innovators we supported through our Fast Frank Feedback and Sandbox services.

Innovation Hub Legal Disclaimer applies when Innovation Hub makes a statement to a person that gives them informal feedback on their proposed innovation.

Innovation Hub: Freedom of Information and Confidentiality sets out how to notify Innovation Hub if the information you provide is commercially confidential.

The Innovation Hub’s confidentiality policy summarises how we treat the information you provide to us.

Innovation Hub Privacy Notice tells you how we collect, use and protect personal information.

You can contact us by emailing innovationhub@ofgem.gov.uk.

We’re open to hearing ideas about how our services could improve and evolve.

The Energy Innovation Centre's UK Energy Innovation Support Resources provide an overview of key resources and support available for energy sector innovators. 

UK Energy Innovation Support Resources