Households across the UK could be paid for reducing their power usage today. It's part of a scheme run by the National Grid called the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS)
Those who are signed up for it can save money by reducing their power usage during certain times outside of peak hours. A DFS Service Requirement has been issued for today (Monday January 23) from 5pm-6pm, the Express reports.
If your energy supplier participates in the scheme and you have a smart meter then you can be eligible to register. Those who are already signed up will receive notification of any live events that could save them money.
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The National Grid's ESO website states: "If you have signed up to take part in the DFS scheme your electricity provider will contact you before a demonstration test or live event and ask if you want to participate in the following day’s event."
The scheme was approved to run from November 3, 2022 to March 31, 2023 by energy regulator Ofgem on November 4 last year. During this time the ESO will run a maximum of 12 demonstration tests, which will come with a 'guaranteed minimum price of £3KWh', the ESO said that this means 'a typical household could save approximately £100 across the maximum 12 demonstration tests'.
After the announcement of the scheme's approval Fintan Slye, Executive Director of the ESO, said: "We are delighted that Ofgem have approved the use of our Demand Flexibility Service this winter. It will help mitigate the potential risks that the ESO has outlined in its Winter Outlook and will allow consumers to see a financial return for reducing their electricity use at peak times.
"As a responsible operator of the electricity system we have developed this innovative Demand Flexibility Service to compliment the robust set of tools we already use to balance the electricity system every day."
A list of energy providers who are taking part in the scheme can be found on the ESO website.
Meanwhile three UK coal plants have been ordered to begin warming up in case they are needed for the country’s energy supply as the cold snap bites. National Grid ESO said it had given the instructions in light of forecasts showing electricity supply margins may be tighter than normal on Monday.
National Grid ESO added that its announcement should not be interpreted as a sign that electricity supplies are at risk and said 'people should not be worried'. 'These are precautionary measures to maintain the buffer of spare capacity we need,' National Grid said in a tweet.
The cold weather means more people are heating their homes which increases demand for energy, but a lack of wind has reduced the amount of renewable energy available.
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