#National grid trial

Overall, the data shows that the Demand Flexibility Service delivered enough electricity to power over 10 million homes, roughly 35% of the homes in the UK. Electricity saved in Southern England, the East of England and the East Midlands – the three most engaged regions in the scheme – could power some 3.3 million homes. In total, these buildings delivered 3,300MWh of electricity reduction. The ESO has today (10 May) published the results of the entire scheme, confirming that 1.6 million homes and businesses participated. Domestic customers with some of the UK’s largest energy firms were paid in line with the amount of energy saved over two-hour periods.

Over the course of winter 2022/2023, a total of 22 events were held under the scheme. The idea of the scheme is to reward homes and businesses for avoid using energy during peak times by incentivising them with lower energy bills, thus building flexibility into the energy system and reducing pressures on the grid.

#National grid trial

The National Grid Energy System Operator (ESO) first launched the Demand Flexibility Service on a trial basis in late 2022, in partnership with Octopus Energy. Households were encouraged to use appliances like washing machines and tumble driers at off-peak times