From the 23rd of January 2023, almost 1 million households can benefit from money off their energy bills thanks to the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS). The scheme, which is available via a number of UK energy suppliers, allows customers to reduce their energy usage during a set timeframe to relieve stress on the energy system during peak times.
If participating customers manage to successfully reduce energy usage during the timeframe specified they will be rewarded with money off their energy bill. How much money is rewarded varies depending on the supplier you are with and how much you save.
In this article, we look at how the Demand Flexibility Service works, who is eligible to take part in the Demand Flexibility Service and additional ways in which you can save on your energy bills.
How does the Demand Flexibility Service work?
The Demand Flexibility Service was launched by The National Grid in 2022 with the aim to reduce the demand on the energy circuit during peak times of usage. The scheme has now officially launched after a number of successful trials, which have so far delivered an energy reduction of over 780MWh. It works by encouraging households to reduce their energy consumption during peak times. Those taking part in the scheme will be notified the day before a live event and can choose to participate. Live events can last for anything between 1 hour - 4 hours and the first live event on Monday 23rd January 2023 is running from 5pm - 6pm.
If you choose to participate in the scheme you could save around £100 on your energy bill, but this will vary depending on the energy supplier you are with as each has its own campaign incentive. At present, 26 energy providers are participating in the scheme although suppliers can continue to sign up to the Demand Flexibility Service which is running until the end of March 2023.
Some safety concerns have been raised about the Demand Flexibility Service, however, especially as consumers may be encouraged to use electrical appliances overnight. Electrical Safety First has issued the following guidance to ensure you stay safe when using your electrical appliances.
(Click to enlarge)
Who is eligible for the Demand Flexibility Service?
Participating energy suppliers are contacting eligible households to invite them to participate in the DFS scheme. To be eligible you need to be registered with a participating energy supplier and have a smart meter that can provide meter readings every half an hour. Energy suppliers registered for the Demand Flexibility Service can be found in the below comparison table.
What energy providers are part of the Demand Flexibility Service?
The following table shows the domestic and non-domestic energy suppliers registered to take part in the Demand Flexibility Service. An up to date list of providers can be found here.
| Provider | Domestic or Non-domestic |
|---|---|
| British Gas | Domestic |
| CarbonLaces | Domestic and Non-domestic |
| Conrad Energy | Non-domestic |
| CUB (UK) Ltd | Non-domestic |
| Drax | Non-domestic |
| EDF | Domestic and Non-domestic |
| ENGIE Power Limited | Non-domestic |
| E.ON Next | Domestic |
| Equiwatt | Domestic and Non-domestic |
| ev.energy | Domestic |
| Flexitricity | Non-domestic |
| Grid Beyond | Non-domestic |
| Gridimp | Non-domestic |
| Hugo Energy App (via SMS) | Domestic |
| Labrador (via Perse Technology Ltd) | Domestic and Non-domestic |
| Loop.homes (via SMS) | Domestic |
| myenergi (via Orange Power) | Domestic |
| Oaktree Power | Non-domestic |
| Octopus Energy | Domestic and Non-domestic |
| OVO Energy | Domestic |
| Pearlstone Energy | Non-domestic |
| Power Rewards App (via Orange Power) | Domestic |
| Shell Energy Retail (Via SMS) | Domestic |
| SMS | Domestic and Non-domestic |
| VpowerU | Domestic and Non-domestic |
| Zenobe Energy Limited | Non-domestic |
Source: National Grid ESO
How to save money on your energy bills
If you have yet been contacted to take part in the Demand Flexibility Service, or your provider is not yet participating in the scheme, there are a number of ways you can still save money on your energy bills. Find out more in our articles, 'How to save money on your energy bills', 'How much electricity am I using?' and 'What is the cheapest way to cook?'
