Method and apparatus for combined heat and power generation

A power distribution control system comprises a communications interface 140 which communicates over a network with a plurality of combined heat and power, or CHP systems 30-1 to 30-4, 32-1 to 32-4 in separate dwellings. A controller 160 is coupled to the interface 140 and communicates with the CHP systems 30-1 to 30-4, 32-1 to 32-4. The controller 160 sends a command via interface 140 to operate a first CHP system 30-1 at a first dwelling based on either a condition of an electrical power supply at a second dwelling, or a generalised grid condition. The controller 160 may send commands to operate a number of CHP systems 30-1 to 30-4 in a first location to generate electrical power based on a message received from at least one CHP system 32-1 to 32-4 at a second location. The CHP system to be operated may be based on a programmed start time of the CHP system or a thermal capacity of the CHP system. At least one of the CHP systems may provide a frequency or voltage of the electrical supply at the dwelling to indicate to the controller 160 the condition of the electrical power supply at the dwelling.