I have received a reply from OFGEM this afternoon:

On 21 November 2024, we approved proposals by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to operate Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) as a year-round service. NESO operate the DFS by procuring participation from suppliers and electricity aggregators. The service helps balance supply and demand on the electricity grid efficiently and economically by encouraging flexible energy use by consumers.

As a consumer, as long as you have a working smart meter, you should now be able to sign up for the service with your supplier or third-party aggregator if they are offering the service. NESO will be able to provide you with additional information on the service.

We’ll be working closely with NESO, consumers, the energy sector and Government, to understand the lessons the DFS teaches us about flexible energy use and how both consumers and our electricity grid can benefit from it now and in the longer term.

Kind regards

I note that no mention is made of whether the scheme will run on similar lines to last year’s arrangements or whether similar rates will be applied.(I suspect not!) Regards, Toodles.

And I have now received a slightly more detailed reply that seems to confirm that saving session payments are likely to be ‘at the lowest cost solution’ rates’ so to speak:

Hello

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts about our Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) and the updates to the scheme. We’re grateful for your enthusiasm for demand flexibility and the role it plays in building a greener, more cost-efficient energy system. 

As the National Energy System Operator (NESO) for Great Britain, our mission is to ensure the country has the energy it needs every second of every day and ensuring this is delivered in an affordable way for bill payers. Balancing supply and demand is a critical part of our role, and the support of customers like you makes a real difference in achieving this goal. 

We’re delighted to confirm that demand flexibility remains a key focus for NESO and Ofgem and DFS will now be evolving into a year-round service.  This means we are able to harness the value of customers’ demand flexibility to help us balance supply and demand throughout the year.   

In previous years, we have guaranteed prices to promote participation and learn about the service. Building on this knowledge and considering the energy supply and demand outlook this winter, this year we will compare demand flexibility prices to alternative actions and choose the lowest cost solution, driving value for all bill payers.   

We’re confident that the DFS will continue to attract strong participation. Several providers are already preparing to offer the service as it launches this week, and we’re excited to see the impact it will have in the months ahead.   

Thank you again for your interest and for playing an active role in shaping a greener, more flexible energy future. For more details about this year’s service and how to participate, please visit our website: https://www.neso.energy/industry-information/balancing-services/demand-flexibility-service/demand-flexibility-service-explained

Many thanks

(Name removed)

Customer Experience Manager

Customer Directorate

Faraday House, Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, Warwick, CV34 6DA 

So there we are, have to await OE’s messages then. Regards, Toodles.