Overview
- Britain’s National Energy System Operator unveiled an updated Demand Flexibility Service for summer use that rewards people for shifting electricity use into periods of excess generation.
- Participation runs through energy suppliers, with British Gas, Octopus Energy and Equiwatt among those signed up, and customers need a smart meter to receive offers.
- Deals will vary by provider and location, with incentives that can include free or discounted electricity during set hours, bill credits, cash, or points that convert into vouchers.
- NESO says record wind and solar output and lower summer weekend demand are driving more surplus power, and the scheme targets savings on constraint payments that reached about £1.5bn in 2025.
- The rollout lands as analysts forecast a July price cap rise to roughly £1,861–£1,929, while suppliers keep hardship support open, including OVO’s £56m Extra Support Package, Octopus’s £40m Octo Assist and British Gas Energy Trust grants up to £1,700.