As electrification expands in sectors like heating, transport and households, consumer flexibility becomes increasingly important. Consumers now have more ways to access flexibility, allowing for reduced bills, better power system balance, and increased renewable energy integration.

RAP experts, Julia Hildemeier and Lorenzo Sapochetti, present three common modes of demand-side flexibility and how each can suit different consumer preferences and circumstances. Using examples from European markets, they illustrate how different tariff designs translate into consumer experiences by comparing price exposure, consumer effort, automation, technology requirements and consumer control.

As flexibility tariffs and services diversify and evolve, more evidence on consumer uptake and experience will help improve flexibility offers and ensure that they remain effective for the energy system while remaining accessible and attractive for consumers.