What is the Demand Flexibility Service?

The Demand Flexibility Service has now closed for winter 2022/23, keep an eye out for future Flexibility initiatives.

Thanks for taking part in our first ever energy saving events scheme for the National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service - protecting UK energy security and keeping our electricity cleaner.

Check out some of the incredible achievements we made together this winter:

Total energy saved over 12 events.
Altogether E.ON Next customers saved 246204.47 kWh of energy during our events.

That’s enough energy to watch a 50W TV for 562 years.

Or drive around the world 41 times in an electric vehicle - now that’s what we call a road trip.

Total customers who took part.
With such an incredible amount of energy saved, it’s no wonder a whopping 144,878 E.ON Next customers took part. In our biggest energy saving event so far, 88,408 of you wonderful Nexties came together to take part at once. Great teamwork everyone!

Highest rewards earned by a single customer.
Huge congratulations to our top energy savers:

The highest reward earned in a single event was an incredible £75.
Our top saver over all 12 events managed to earn £263.68.

Just goes to show that saving energy can really add up, making a big difference to your annual energy bills.

Top 3 energy saving communities.
Sheffield
Nottingham
Newcastle

Great effort everyone - we can all make a real difference when we come together thanks to the power of smart.

Don’t worry if you missed out this time round, you can book your smart meter installation online to take part in any future events and rewards.

What is the Demand Flexibility Service?
The Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) is a brand new project run by the National Grid Electricity Supply Operators (ESO). It will reward energy users for reducing their energy consumption during peak time events. The aim is to spread the demand for electricity this winter to avoid using polluting coal back-up generators – keeping Britain’s energy cleaner.

Since November 2022 E.ON Next customers have taken part in five Demand Flexibility Service events from the National Grid so far. They’ve managed to save over 78MWh of electricity which is the equivalent of 184 years worth of powering a 50w TV.

We’ve paid out over £240k to customers who saved energy and met their reduction targets. On average those who met their targets saved 0.58kWh. Added together E.ON Next customers saved enough electricity to power an EV around the world 13 times!

How does the Demand Flexibility Service work?
The National Grid ESO is identifying peak times of day for electricity use this winter. Peak times are periods in the day when electricity use suddenly increases throughout the UK. This happens because many of us have similar daily routines.

During these peak time slots the National Grid ESO are asking us to use less electricity – then paying for the electricity we don’t use.

Peak times are not always the same, meaning the event may happen at different times on different days. However, we anticipate that most events will be between 1 to 4 hours, occurring between 4pm and 7pm.

Energy companies will be alerted of an upcoming event the day before. E.ON Next will immediately alert customers participating. Customers can only sign up to one supplier to take part in the National Grid's Demand Flexibility Service.

What are the benefits?
Spreading the demand for electricity more evenly across the day has three great benefits:

It maximises the use of off peak renewable energy – making the most of our clean energy sources.
It avoids using coal back-up generators for extra electricity – meaning less pollution and a healthier planet.
It lowers the cost of peak time electricity – helping everyone to spend a little less.

As an E.ON Next customer your electricity is always 100% renewable* but it still comes from the National Grid. By taking part you will help make the National Grid’s electricity cleaner across Great Britain.

Plus, you can save money by reducing your energy use, as well as earn credit toward your next energy bill.

Energy shifting.
If you want to take part in the Demand Flexibility Service, you will need to participate through your energy supplier. We will contact eligible customers to see if they would like to take part.

Our energy shifting experience for customers has personalised goals for reducing energy use during events. By meeting your target for an event you will be rewarded with credit to your E.ON Next account.

To be eligible you'll need a smart meter that automatically sends half hourly readings, so we can calculate your daily electricity use, and have given us 'marketing consent' so that we can contact you.

Find out more information about DFS at E.ON Next.

How can you reduce your electricity usage if you take part?
The simplest way to reduce your electricity use during an event is to shift the time you are using your most energy intensive appliances. That might mean cooking dinner a little later or charging your gadgets during the day.

You can also try using more energy efficient alternatives during the events.

For example, microwaves and air fryers use less energy than ovens and hobs when preparing hot food for dinner (a common peak time).

Hanging clothes on your airer when your heating is on uses less energy than using your tumble dryer.

And of course, remember to turn off your light switches and plug sockets when they are not in use.

For some more inspiration check out our top tips on how saving energy pays. Just remember that the events only consider your electricity usage.

Together, by making small changes to the way we use electricity we can keep our energy cleaner this winter. In return, to say thank you for being a team player, you’ll save money on your energy bills when you take part. If you are eligible to take part in Energy Shift we will contact you with more information on how to get involved.

Make your home smarter with a smart meter.
Switching to a smart meter means you can see exactly what you are spending on your energy in real time. Knowledge is power when it comes to powering our homes. Together we can reduce energy bills as well as carbon emissions. Find out how you can get a smart meter for your home.

Rising bills help.
We want to reassure you that we are dedicated to helping you where we can. We have put together some helpful resources where you can access support from us, charities and the government.

Contact our Energy Specialists if you’re having difficulty.
Our Energy Specialists are here to help you if you’re concerned about your energy bills. If you’re struggling to pay, please visit our help page to find out more about how we can support you. You can reach out to our Energy Specialists for personal advice on Facebook and Twitter.

Feel the Community power.
The E.ON Next Community is a space for customers just like you, sharing their experiences to offer a helping hand. Find support or suggest your own unique topics, plus get involved in discussions of all the latest news. Join the conversation now.

*Electricity backed by 100% renewable sources, E.ON's renewable generation assets, agreements with UK generators and the purchase of renewable electricity certificates. The electricity supplied to your home or business comes from the National Grid.

Blog updated: 26/04/23