Drax has launched a new flexible electricity scheme in which businesses will be paid to reduce their electricity consumption during times of peak demand and high prices.
The ElectriFlex will see businesses customers receive payment per MWh to reduce electricity demand, typically between 4pm and 7pm, when demand for power is at its highest.
Drax participated in the National Grid Electricity System Operator’s (NGESO’s) Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) last winter. Drax said eight customers took part in the scheme last winter, including Ford, Portsmouth Water, United Utilities and Severn Trent Water. They were paid £3,000 per MWh to reduce their power consumption, delivering a combined £1,090,000 in revenue. All were financially incentivised to reduce electricity consumption at times of system stress.
Adam Hall, Drax’s Director of Energy Services, said: “Our participation in the National Grid’s DFS scheme last year managed to reduce electricity demand by 340MWh, generating over £1 million in customer revenue. We know how helpful this was to our customers and that’s why we’ve developed this scheme, so that they can continue to benefit 365 days a year, not just during the colder months.”