National Grid Pays Users to Power Down as Demand Flexibility Service Activated Amid Cold Snap

The National Grid has activated the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS), a scheme that compensates electricity users for reducing consumption, in anticipation of freezing temperatures causing a surge in electricity demand. Initiated by the National Grid to address potential electricity shortages during periods of high demand, such as during freezing temperatures, the DFS program compensates homeowners and businesses. Starting Wednesday night, participants will receive payments for voluntarily limiting their electricity usage, helping to maintain a buffer of spare capacity in the electricity supply and preventing blackouts. The scheme aims to enhance grid reliability during peak demand periods. Approximately 1.4 million households and businesses have enrolled in the program, receiving payments of up to £10 a day. This marks the first utilisation of the service this winter, with the Met Office issuing yellow weather warnings for parts of northern and eastern Scotland, northeast England, and Yorkshire owing to expected snow and ice....