Energy suppliers could be given the power to remotely reduce heating output in homes fitted with heat pumps under Government proposals.
The Smart Secure Electricity Systems scheme, which is currently under consultation, would allow licensed providers including Octopus Energy and British Gas to dial down heat pump systems via internet connections during periods of peak electricity demand.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the load control mechanism is designed to help balance the national grid and reduce the risk of power cuts.
Britain’s electricity network faces its greatest pressure during cold winter periods, with officials warning blackout risks could increase as Net Zero policies shift more energy consumption from gas to electricity.
This is while power generation becomes increasingly reliant on intermittent renewable sources.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative leader, criticised the proposals, saying: “The Government says the purpose is to balance the electricity grid but it’s like living in a totalitarian state.
“The Government has no permission for this, its energy policy has become an ideology.”
Ministers have sought to address concerns by proposing that participation in the scheme would remain voluntary.
Households choosing to enrol would receive discounted energy tariffs in exchange for allowing suppliers to adjust their heating systems remotely during periods of high demand.
Official figures show there are more than 223,000 heat pumps installed in existing properties across Britain.
Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has set a target of 450,000 heat pump installations a year by 2030, with all units installed since April last year required to have internet connectivity.
Kathryn Porter, an energy consultant at Watt-Logic, warned the proposals could have wider implications for homeowners.
Ms Porter said: “These proposals are particularly worrying in the context of recent hand-wringing over air conditioning: providing remote control over heat pumps would allow third parties to prevent cooling altogether while potentially restricting heating on cold winter days.
“These plans have people serving the grid rather than the other way round.”
Critics have also highlighted potential risks during periods of extreme weather, when heating and increasingly common air conditioning systems may be needed most urgently.
Energy specialists have called on the Government to guarantee homeowners would retain the ability to override any remote instructions sent to their heating systems.
Ministers and officials are seeking ways to reduce electricity demand as pressure on the national grid becomes increasingly apparent.
Following a recent heatwave, whistleblowers alleged senior figures at the National Energy System Operator attempted to conceal how narrowly Britain avoided widespread blackouts.
Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, made the allegations public, prompting an independent investigation.
Security experts have also raised concerns about the potential consequences if internet-connected heat pumps were targeted by cyberattacks.
A DESNZ spokesman described the reports as “scaremongering”, adding: “Smart heat pumps from reputable manufacturers already have robust security protocols in place, so the cybersecurity risk is low.
“We have consulted on new rules which go even further, so every heat pump sold in the UK meets the strongest security standards.”
