From Innovation to Impact: Evaluating RIIO-1 Energy Network Projects

From Innovation to Impact: Evaluating RIIO-1 Energy Network Projects  3.79 MB

This report reviews innovation projects funded under RIIO-1 (2013–2023) and finds that activity was largely focused on technical, asset-based improvements, with limited emphasis on consumer outcomes and engagement. While projects generated valuable learning, there was weak evidence of scaling, limited progression to Business as Usual (BAU), and gaps in transparency and data quality. The report highlights that innovation value should be assessed more broadly, beyond deployment, but stresses that delivering tangible consumer benefits remains essential.

To improve outcomes, the report recommends stronger regulatory direction, better consumer engagement, clearer long-term policy signals, improved tracking of project impacts, and greater accountability for delivering real-world benefits. It also calls on network companies to enhance data transparency, strengthen collaboration, and focus more on progressing projects into BAU to ensure innovation delivers meaningful value for consumers.