National Grid and Octopus open flexibility trial to 1.4m customers

National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) and Octopus Energy have launched a new domestic flexibility trial to assess the role that households can play in reducing demand during winter peaks.

The trial, which will run from 11 February to 31 March, will be open to all 1.4 million of Octopus Energy’s smart meter customers.

Customers will be asked to reduce their consumption during a series of pre-defined two-hour windows, which are expected to cover the hours 12pm to 2am, 9am to 11am and 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Participants will be set targets for each window based on their usual level of consumption. Each time they meet a target, they will receive all of the electricity they consume during that window for free.

Based on the findings from their earlier CrowdFlex trial, which saw thousands of customers paid to raise or lower their demand during ‘Big Turn Up’ and ‘Big Turn Down’ events, National Grid and Octopus said they expect participants to reduce demand on the power grid by up to 150MW. The CrowdFlex trial concluded that domestic flexibility could reduce peak electricity demand by as much as 6.8GW by 2030.

Isabelle Haigh, head of national control at the ESO, said: “Encouraging households to engage in exciting climate-friendly energy opportunities like this trial will be crucial in our transition to net zero.

“System flexibility is vital to help manage and reduce peak electricity demand and keep Britain’s electricity flowing securely.

“This trial will provide valuable insight into how suppliers may be able to utilise domestic flexibility to help reduce stress on the system during high demand, lower balancing costs and deliver consumer benefits.”

James Eddison, chief technology officer and co-founder of Octopus Energy Group, said: “Octopus is a strong supporter of decentralising the energy grid and putting energy flexibility in the hands of consumers.

“The findings of our previous home energy trials and the demand for our smart tariffs show that homes can play a key role in improving grid stability and making sure that we’re making the most of home-grown green energy when it’s abundant.

“By joining forces with ESO, we’re now taking this research to the next level, inviting 1.4 million customers to take part in a trial that will allow them to potentially benefit from cheaper, greener power and help build the energy system of the future. It’s a tremendous opportunity to unlock flexibility at an unprecedented scale, and we can’t wait to get started.”