How SMEs can save money with energy flexibility services
Reduce costs. Earn new revenue. Support cleaner energy.
Energy flexibility schemes help small and medium-sized businesses use energy more cost-effectively.
You may be able to cut bills and support the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system.
Sign up today for an energy flexibility scheme
Get in touch with your distribution system operator (DSO)
Summary: what you’ll learn
- What energy flexibility is
- Why SMEs should get involved
- Whether your business is a good fit
- How to get started
What is energy flexibility?
Energy flexibility is the ability to adjust your energy use in response to supply and demand.
For example, your business might:
- Reduce energy use at peak times
- Shift energy use to off-peak hours
- Generate or store your own energy (like solar or batteries)
Why does it matter?
By reducing demand on the grid during peak periods, your business helps the energy system operate more efficiently, and with lower carbon emissions. Plus, you can get paid for it.
Types of flexibility services
Why should SMEs get involved?
Lower energy costs
Avoid peak-time charges and take advantage of smart tariffs.
Earn revenue
Some energy flexibility schemes pay you for reducing or shifting energy use.
Support clean energy
Flexible energy use helps decarbonise the energy grid and your operations.
Improve resilience
Businesses with on-site generation or storage are better prepared for energy disruption.
Is your business a good fit?
Energy flexibility could work for you if:
- You normally operate during peak times (e.g. 4–7pm)
- You can shift some energy use to earlier or later
- You have (or want to install) EV chargers or battery systems
Typical sectors:
- Manufacturing
- Retail and hospitality
- Cold storage or refrigeration
- Office-based SMEs with flexible working hours
How to get started
1. Talk to your Distribution System Operator (DSO) or aggregator
There may be opportunities to contract directly with your DSO.
Aggregators group businesses to join flexibility markets. They handle the technical side and can help you access payments.
2. Install enabling tech
Consider:
- Smart meters
- Energy monitoring systems
- Battery storage or solar panels
3. Explore schemes and tariffs
Ask about:
- Demand Side Response (DSR)
- Local flexibility services from your Distribution System Operator (DSO)
- Smart tariffs designed for businesses
Sign up today for an energy flexibility scheme
Get in touch with your distribution system operator (DSO)
Helpful links
Get energy saving advice
Find Your Local DSO
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