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INTRODUCING THE DEMAND FLEXIBILITY SERVICE

Several energy companies have announced they’re taking part in a new scheme this winter called the Demand Flexibility Service. This voluntary scheme aims to encourage energy customers with smart meters to reduce their electricity usage at specific times when supplies could be stretched.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Affect Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Yu Energy are responsible for Ampower UK customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Angelic Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that SSE is now responsible for Atlantic Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Nabuh Energy is now responsible for Avid Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Nabuh Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Octopus Energy are responsible for Avro Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Beam Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas are responsible for Better Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We are connecting you to your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Breeze customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that SSE is now responsible for Brilliant Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas are responsible for Bristol Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We believe that British Gas are responsible for British Gas Evolve customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We believe that SSE are responsible for Cardiff Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for CitizEn Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Shell Energy are responsible for Colorado Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Shell Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We believe that Scottish Power is now responsible for Daisy Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Scottish Power who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

We are redirecting you to the E.ON Next smart meter webpage. You can continue your smart meter journey at their website. They will take your request forward.

We believe that OVO Energy are responsible for Economy Energy credit customers. Therefore we are connecting you with OVO Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward. If you are a prepay customer you will need to visit Boost Energy at www.boostpower.co.uk/smart-meters. They will be responsible for taking you request forward.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Engie customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Enstroga customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that So Energy is now responsible for ESB customers. Therefore we are connecting you with So Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Utilita is now responsible for Eversmart customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Utilita who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Scottish Power is now responsible for Extra Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Scottish Power who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Shell Energy Retail is now responsible for First Utility customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Shell Energy Retail who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Fosse Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Green Star Energy is now responsible for Future Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Green Star Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Gen4U customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that Bulb Energy is now responsible for GnErgy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Bulb who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that Shell Energy is now responsible for Goto Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Shell energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Great North Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Shell Energy is now responsible for Green Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Shell energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that EDF Energy is now responsible for Green Network Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with EDF Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Hub Energy customers (formerly Gulf Gas and Power). Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Hub Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Igloo Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Iresa customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that EDF Energy is now responsible for iSupply Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with EDF Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that OVO Energy is now responsible for Lumo customers. Therefore we are connecting you with OVO Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for MoneyPlus Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Nabuh Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Neon Reef Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that E.ON is now responsible for Npower Select customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Npower Select customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Utilita are responsible for Omni Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you to Utilita who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We beleive that Scottish Power is now responsible for Orbit Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Scottish Power who will be responsible with taking your request forward.

We believe that Utilita is now responsible for Our Power customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Utilita who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for People's Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for PFP Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Powershop customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Shell Energy is now responsible for Pure Planet customers. Therefore we will connect you with Shell Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Qwest Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Ram Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Robin Hood Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

Scottish Gas have told us that British Gas is responsible for providing smart meters on their behalf. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

Scottish Hydro have told us that SSE is responsible for providing smart meters on their behalf. Therefore we are connecting you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Simplicity Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that SSE is now responsible for Spark Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Southend Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Nabuh Energy is now responsible for Snowdrop Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Nabuh Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Social Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that EDF are responsible for Solarplicity customers. Therefore we are connecting you with EDF who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

Swalec have told us that SSE is responsible for providing smart meters on their behalf. Therefore we are connecting you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

Symbio Energy have told us that E.ON NEXT is responsible for providing smart meters on their behalf. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON NEXT who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for The Leccy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas are responsible for Together Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Scottish Power is now responsible for Tonik Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Scottish Power who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that EDF Energy are responsible for Toto Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with EDF Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Octopus Energy are responsible for UKEIH customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Shell Energy Retail is now responsible for Usio Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Shell Energy Retail who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that EDF Energy is now responsible for Utility Point customers. Therefore we will connect you with EDF Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that E.ON are responsible for Wasp Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with E.ON who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for White Rose Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that E.ON are responsible for Wigan Warriors Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with E.ON who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We beleive that Scottish Power is now responsible for Yorkshire Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Scottish Power who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Your Energy Sussex customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Zebra Power customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that EDF is now responsible for Zog Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with EDF who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

The Demand Flexibility Service is helping to create a smart, flexible, energy network.

The Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) has been developed by the National Grid, which manages the electricity system so that homes and businesses in England, Scotland and Wales can get the energy they need. It is being offered to consumers by participating energy companies. It allows you to opt-in and help the nation’s electricity system better handle peak electricity demand. These peak usage hours are typically from 4-7pm, but may vary. Once you’ve opted in, your energy company will alert you in advance when they would like you to reduce your use of electricity during a DFS event.

By encouraging customers to move some of their electricity use to earlier or later in the day, it can help the National Grid manage peak demand in a smarter way. This could reduce the risk of blackouts or having to rely on backup power generation. In return, consumers will be rewarded with a payment or credit from their energy company. This payment will be made according to their reduction in energy compared to how much they’d typically use in that time period on other days. Contact your energy supplier to find out exactly how they will be applying the incentive.

What you need to take part in the Demand Flexibility Service

Firstly, your energy supplier will need to be participating in the DFS.

Secondly, you’ll need a smart meter capable of taking half-hourly meter readings and you’ll need to give your energy supplier consent to use those readings.

And finally, you will also need to have opted-in to marketing communications so that your energy supplier can alert you when a DFS event is taking place

How much could you earn from taking part in the Demand Flexibility Service?

The National Grid has said it is planning for up to 12 test events to happen between early November 2022 and March 2023.

It is estimated that consumers could earn up to £100 if they take part in every event throughout the winter. The exact amount will vary according to:

How much you can reduce your electricity consumption by.
The number of times you take part.
How much is paid by your energy company.

You are under no obligation to take part even if you opt-into the scheme. If you sign up and don’t reduce your electricity usage, or even use more than usual, there is no penalty.

Why has the DFS been introduced?

The DFS is designed to help people consume electricity in a more flexible way by rewarding them for reducing their electricity use during peak times. Having more flexibility in our electricity system is seen as important for two main reasons:

Helping when supplies are running low.

Electricity supplies can run low due to a larger demand from homes and businesses due to cold weather and longer, darker nights, combined with periods when less renewable energy can be produced.

Reducing use of backup electricity production.

During peak hours it is sometimes necessary to use additional, fossil fuel power generators. This can be more expensive and release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

How to save electricity during a DFS event

Consumers could choose to use power-hungry appliances like tumble driers, ovens, dishwashers and immersion heaters before or after the DFS event. Reducing electricity usage during the event, for example by using a microwave instead of an electric oven, would also help.

Modern televisions, laptop computers and energy-efficient lightbulbs typically use much less electricity, so changing the time of day when used would have less impact.

You can find advice on saving energy in our Energy Saving Tips section.

Consumers are advised to follow safety guidance on using electrical devices in the home. For example, Electrical Safety First recommends appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers aren’t run unattended overnight.

Which energy companies are taking part in the Demand Flexibility Service?

Domestic means a provider who supplies energy to individual households, non-domestic is providers who supply businesses, schools and other organisations

Energy 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	Domestic and Non-domestic
Loop.homes (via SMS)	Domestic
myenergi	Domestic
Oaktree Power	Non-domestic
Octopus Energy	Domestic and Non-domestic
OVO Energy	Domestic
Pearlstone Energy	Non-domestic
Power Rewards App	Domestic
Shell Energy Retail (via SMS)	Domestic
SMS	Domestic and Non-domestic
VpowerU	Domestic and Non-domestic
Zenobe Energy Limited	Domestic and Non-domestic

Do you need a smart meter to take part in the Demand Flexibility Service?

Yes. In order for an energy company to accurately measure energy usage in the home for a DFS event, a smart meter capable of sending half-hourly readings to your energy supplier is required.

Consumers without a smart meter can start the application process here.

How often will the DFS events take place?

The National Grid has said it is planning up to 12 events through the winter of 2022-2023. If you opt-in with your energy company they’ll alert you in advance when an event is taking place.

If you’ve signed up for the Demand Flexibility Service do you have to take part?

No, taking part in a DFS event is entirely optional. Consumers can opt-in with their energy company, but if they don’t take any action, nothing will change.

Information for people needing help with energy bills.

As the costs of energy have risen recently, more people are struggling to pay their energy bills, and an increasing number of us are worried about energy bills. We’ve put together some advice on the what to do if you’re worried about rising energy bills.

Get a smart meter