The Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) rewards you for using less energy during peak hours. DFS was started in winter 2022 to overcome high peak demand on the electricity network that resulted in the need to generate electricity from fossil fuel plants, costing consumers more and contributing to the rise in energy costs.
So far over 2.6 million homes and businesses have taken part, saving over 7000MWh of electricity during peak times, enough to power lighting in 54,000 homes for a year.
What is the Demand Flexibility Service?
The service creates multiple energy saving events throughout the year, these will be during peak demand periods, lasting an hour and usually coinciding with major sporting events or other peak energy usage events. If you’ve signed up, you will be asked to use less electricity throughout the event.
How Does the Demand Flexibility Service Work?
You can sign up to take part in DFS with your energy supplier. Your supplier will contact you prior to each energy reduction event asking you to use less electricity throughout the period. They will then reward you with pounds or points you can use against your energy bills. Rewards will vary depending on your supplier, but the more electricity you save throughout the event the higher the reward.
To sign up, you just need to register with your energy supplier and have a working smart meter that takes readings every 30 minutes.
What Can I Do to Save Energy During a Flexibility Event?
- Avoid use high energy appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, tumble driers and ovens. Use these before or after the event.
- If you need to use appliances during the event, switch to more energy efficient appliances, like using an air fryer or microwave instead of the oven during the event.
- Move your usual activities to outside the event – charge your EV (electric vehicle) or solar battery overnight during off-peak demand.
- Turn electric heating off or down to reduce the demand on importing electricity.
Why Is the Demand Flexibility Service Needed?
When electricity demand is high, there is not always enough electricity for everyone who needs it. This is when NESO (National Energy System Operator) has to switch on fossil fuel power plants to meet the increase in demand, resulting in higher energy bills for consumers. You can find out more about how fossil fuel generated electricity effects your electricity bill here.
The Demand Flexibility Service reduces the need to turn on the power plants by lowering energy use at peak times, maintaining a steady supply of electricity and keeping the energy mix greener.
Other Ways to Save Money on Electricity Bills
By being flexible on how you use electricity, you can save money on your energy bills. Using time of use tariffs can help save money by operating your high energy appliances during off-peak times, paying a lower rate for your imported electricity.
Use the National Grid’s WhenToPlugIn app to check when more of the electricity grid is powered by wind and solar sources. Opting for renewable, green sources of electricity helps lower your carbon footprint and keeps electricity bills lower.
Install solar – a solar PV system, when designed specifically for your property and usage, like we do at SolarTherm UK, can help save up to 70% on your energy bills. With solar, you can take back control of your power, reducing your reliance on expensive grid electricity.
Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?
With over 15 years experience in the solar industry, SolarTherm UK values the trust of our customers. Our MCS-certified installers ensure your system is optimised to perform to the highest efficiency, saving you more.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for your free no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
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