Some households across the UK could earn discounts on their energy bills by cutting back on their use between 5pm and 6pm today.
The National Grid ESO (electricity system operator) is activating its demand flexibility service (DFS) for the first time.
The service entitles homes with smart meters, who are signed up to the scheme through their supplier, to discounts on future bills for cutting their electricity use during periods of high demand.
Customers will receive £3 for every unit of energy saved between 5pm and 6pm today.
Our forecasts show electricity supply margins are expected to be tighter than normal on Monday evening. We have instructed coal-fired power units to be available to increase electricity supplies should it be needed tomorrow evening.
There are 26 energy suppliers signed up to the scheme, including British Gas, Octopus Energy and EDF.
The National Grid ESO said the implementation of the DFS for the first time should not be seen as an announcement that energy supplies are at risk, saying “people should not be worried.
A spokesman said: “Our forecasts show electricity supply margins are expected to be tighter than normal on Monday evening.
“We have instructed coal-fired power units to be available to increase electricity supplies should it be needed.
“We are also activating a Live Demand Flexibility Service event between 5-6pm tomorrow.
“This 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.”
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community – a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2023. This site is part of Newsquest’s audited local newspaper network. A Gannett Company. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HP10 9TY. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
