If the DFS is activated, homes that have consented to participate will be compensated for turning off appliances such as electric ovens, dishwashers, and tumble dryers during specified hours.
On Tuesday, it will be possible to utilize for the first time a program that rewards homes for avoiding the use of energy-intensive products during peak hours.
Tuesday evening, National Grid’s system operator may activate its Demand Flexibility Service (DFS), which is intended to prevent blackouts, to alleviate strain on the energy grid.
Participating families are compensated for avoiding using appliances such as electric ovens, dishwashers, and tumble dryers during specified hours.
It is the first line of defense if wintertime peak nighttime demand exceeds supply.
The DFS has undergone two tests.
At 2.30 p.m., a determination will be taken as to whether the DFS is required.
During the winter months, the British power grid relies on French imports to make up for any gaps in electricity production.
However, the French nuclear power industry, which provides for almost 75% of the country’s normal electricity production, is in disarray.
Moreover, fifty percent of EDF’s reactors have been shut down owing to maintenance and technical issues.
It is worsening the widespread energy crisis in Europe as the colder months approach.
As a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Russia is unable to supply the continent with the normal volume of natural gas.
Octopus Electricity is the most active supplier of energy in the DFS.
It has already disclosed statistics indicating that its customers contributed to a demand reduction of more than 100 megawatts during both tests.
National Grid has further alternatives for power rationing, including requesting non-critical factories to close.
Planned three-hour rolling blackouts may be implemented under the direst conditions if gas-fired electricity came under pressure and other means of generation failed to make up the difference.
The Electricity System Operator (ESO) for National Grid stated last month that such a situation was “unlikely.”
The most current study on the United Kingdom’s preparedness indicated that, under a base case scenario, margins between peak demand and power supply were anticipated to be ample and comparable to recent winters, owing to secure North Sea gas supplies, imports via Norway, and ship transport.
