Households are set to make money by reducing their electricity usage today thanks to a National Grid scheme.
It is the first time the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) scheme will run in a bid to reduce the risk of blackouts amid a cold snap. From 5pm to 6pm today (January 23), eligible customers will receive money off on their bills for reducing electricity usage during peak hours.
National Grid will decide on Monday afternoon whether the DFS will be in effect tomorrow.
Households might be wondering whether consumers can still join the scheme and if they are applicable to do so. With that in mind, here is key information on the National Grid ESO's Demand Flexibility Service.
Can you still join the Demand Flexibility Service?
Yes. Currently the scheme is in place until March 2023 and those who are eligible are still able to sign up, but must do so through their supplier.
To sign up you must have a smart meter installed so your provider can read your data every 30 minutes for the duration of the service.
The National Grid ESO website explains: "For consumers wishing to be rewarded for reducing electricity demands on the grid at certain times, you can do so via your energy supplier (this who you pay for your gas & electricity bills) who will contact you directly if they are taking part in our service.
"Participation is entirely optional and there are no penalties linked to the service."
The energy suppliers are signed on to the National Grid scheme
The domestic suppliers below are approved providers who are taking part in the scheme, so you may want to contact them to see if you are applicable.
- British Gas
- CarbonLaces
- EDF
- E.ON Next
- Equiwatt
- ev.energy
- Hugo Energy App (via SMS)
- Labrador (via Perse Technology Ltd)
- Loop.homes (via SMS)
- myenergi (via Orange Power)
- Octopus Energy
- OVO Energy
- Power Rewards App (via Orange Power)
- Shell Energy Retail (Via SMS)
- SMS
- VpowerU
Some suppliers are only taking on limited customers and households can only take part with one DFS provider only.
Will the scheme run again next winter?
At this time, the Demand Flexibility Service is not scheduled to return after it ends in March 2023. However, that does not mean that it will nor return next winter.
The service returning will depend on the future energy supplies, as the scheme has been introduced to avoid using emergency responses when electricity supplies are lower than usual.
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