An event for the Demand Flexibility Service is taking place tomorrow offering payments for those who reduce their electricity usage during peak times.

The National Grid ESO (Electricity System Operator) runs the scheme with eligible households invited to reduce their usage between 4.30pm and 6pm.

An ESO spokesperson said: “Our forecasts show electricity supply margins are expected to be tighter than normal on Friday evening.

“It does not mean electricity supplies are at risk and people should not be worried. These are precautionary measures to maintain the buffer of spare capacity we need.”

A person will need a smart meter capable of sending readings to take part in the scheme. Events are taking place as part of the scheme until March 2024.

These suppliers are taking part in the scheme:

• Axle Energy Ltd
• British Gas
• Chameleon Technology (as Ivie)
• Easee UK Ltd (via Axle Energy Ltd)
• EDF
• E.ON Next Energy Ltd
• Equiwatt
• Foxglove Energy Supply Ltd T/A Outfox the Market (via SMS – Solo Energy Ltd)
• GivEnergy Software (via Axle Energy Ltd)
• 100 Green (via SMS – Solo Energy Ltd)
• Good Energy (via SMS – Solo Energy Ltd)
• Hildebrand Technology Ltd
• Hugo Energy App (via SMS – Solo Energy Ltd)
• Loop (via SMS – Solo Energy Ltd)
• Octopus Energy
• Ohme (via Axle Energy Ltd)
• OVO Energy
• Passiv UK (via SMS – Solo Energy Ltd)
• Perse Technology Ltd
• Power Rewards App (via Orange Power Ltd)
• Scottish Power (via Equiwatt)
• SMS (Solo Energy Ltd)
• Shell Energy Retail (via SMS – Solo Energy Ltd)
• Uswitch Ltd (via Hildebrand)
• Utilita Energy Ltd.

The savings will be passed on to customers through rewards, such as pounds, points, or prizes.

How do I sign up for the Demand Flexibility Service?

This depends on which supplier an individual is with. Some providers will contact customers via email or in-app notifications to let them know of an event.

Others have a form to fill in to take part. A person may find they have already had a message from their supplier about the scheme so they may want to check their inbox.

A person can reduce their usage by choosing to run power-hungry appliances, such as washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, electric showers and immersion heaters, before or after the event or the following day.

Last year, 700,000 customers with Octopus Energy took part with the top five percent of recipients getting paid £40 over the course of the scheme.

Any Octopus customers who signs up will be awarded 100 points into their account and a further 3,200 points for each kWh saved, which is worth £4.

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