Flexibility Services: shifting your energy use
Flexibility services offer a way to save on your energy bills by changing when you use electricity. Here's what you need to know.
What are flexibility services?
- Programs that reward you for using less electricity during peak times
- Help balance the power grid and prevent outages
- Offer bill savings or rewards from your energy supplier
How do they work?
- You sign up with your energy supplier or a third party
- You receive notifications about high-demand periods
- You choose whether to reduce your energy use during these times
- If you participate, you earn rewards or savings
Is it right for you?
Flexibility services might be a good fit if:
- Your household uses a lot of electricity
- You can easily shift when you use appliances like washing machines or electric cookers
- you’re comfortable receiving notifications and adjust your usage, and
- Your whole household is willing to be involved.
Energy monitoring will help you know how much you can shift demand and whether a flexibility service is for you.
Other flexibility services
Some flexibility services work automatically with things like:
- Electric vehicle charging
- Home battery storage
These adjust based on grid needs while still meeting your requirements.
Flexibility services vs. time of use tariffs
Tariffs and flexibility services are not the same thing.
- Flexibility services: Voluntary participation with specific rewards
- Time of use tariffs: Set prices for different times of day