ELIGIBLE households across the UK could earn discounts on their energy bills by cutting back on their energy usage this evening.
The National Grid ESO (electricity system operator) is activating its demand flexibility service (DFS) tonight, between 5pm and 6.30pm.
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.
More than 1.6million households and businesses participated in the scheme last year, with £11 million being paid out.
This year’s programme launched at the start of November and will run until March 31.
During that period, 12 one-hour tests will take place, although in some cases, such as tonight, an individual test could last longer.
Those who have signed up for the scheme should try and reduce their energy consumption during these hours, which they will be alerted of beforehand.
But are you eligible to take part in this year’s Demand Flexibility Service scheme?
Who is eligible for Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) scheme
In order to be eligible for the DFS scheme you must have a smart meter that can provide meter readings every half an hour, and be signed up with an energy supplier participating in the scheme.
These are some of the energy suppliers taking part:
- British Gas
- EDF
- E.On Next
- Octopus Energy
- OVO Energy
- Scottish Power
- Utilita Energy
You can see a full list of suppliers taking part on the ESO’s website here.
The National Grid ESO said that many retail energy suppliers are taking part in the ESO’s DFS this year and will likely contact you if they are taking part.
Several online/app providers can provide access to the service by linking directly to your smart meter data without contacting your energy provider.
You should note that only one household can take part with one DFS-registered provider at any time.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
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.
Read the rules here