Demand Flexibility Service explained

If you sign up to DFS with a participating electricity supplier or aggregator, they will contact you when there is a DFS event. Your provider will explain when the event is taking place, how long it will last, and what kind of action is being rewarded, such as using less electricity or shifting when you use it.  

If you choose to take part and change your electricity use during the event, your provider will reward you. The type and value of rewards vary depending on the provider you are signed up with.  

To take part in the Demand Flexibility Service, you need to live or have a business in England, Scotland or Wales, be with an electricity supplier or aggregator that is registered for DFS, and have a working smart meter so that electricity use can be measured accurately. Your experience of DFS may vary depending on your provider and the type of flexibility you can offer.  

During a DFS event, your provider may ask you to change how and when you use electricity. Often, this will involve using less electricity during busy periods, for example by delaying the use of appliances like washing machines or dishwashers, switching off unnecessary lights or devices, or avoiding high-energy activities while the event is taking place.  

In some events, you may instead be rewarded for using electricity at a different time, such as running flexible equipment when overall demand is lower or charging devices or batteries when there is lots of clean electricity available. Your provider will always explain what actions count for each event.  

Using electrical goods overnight can create an increased risk of an incident. We advise all consumers to follow the guidance offered by organisations such as Electrical Safety First and, where possible, to avoid using their electrical appliances overnight.  

If you sign up to a DFS event but don’t change your electricity use, what happens will depend on your provider’s rules. In most cases, you simply won’t earn a reward for that event, and there is no penalty. Taking part in DFS events is always optional, and you can choose whether or not to respond each time.  

Participant electricity suppliers and aggregators that take part in the Demand Flexibility Service are added to a registered providers list, which is updated regularly as new providers join DFS. This list shows the organisations that are approved to offer DFS to households and businesses.  

In support of consumer protection, the registered providers list also indicates which providers are aligned with the Flex Assure compliance scheme. FlexAssure sets out minimum standards for flexibility services such as DFS, helping to ensure that providers meet clear expectations around consumer protection, communication and delivery.  

If you are interested in taking part in DFS, we recommend checking the registered providers list to see which organisations are participating and whether they are aligned with the Flex Assure compliance scheme.  

A smart meter is needed to take part in DFS because it allows electricity use to be measured accurately during events. This applies whether you are using less electricity or shifting your usage to a different time. If you do not currently have a smart meter, you can contact your energy supplier to find out more about getting one installed.  

Sometimes, yes. Using electricity at certain times can help balance the electricity system, particularly when there is lots of renewable electricity available. Your provider will explain when this applies, what actions count as part of the event, and how you would be rewarded. You always choose whether to take part in any DFS event.  

As part of a range of tools used to manage the electricity system, NESO works with energy suppliers and aggregators to reward households and businesses for helping support the grid. If you would like to find out more about the Demand Flexibility Service, or speak to our team, please contact us.