Securing a clean, efficient and affordable power system is a complex undertaking in the best of times. The current energy crisis, however, has compounded the challenge with a cost-of-living crisis, the need to free Europe from its dependency on Russian fossil gas, and the ever-present spectre of climate change. A seemingly insurmountable task begs all available resources. One of the most powerful — and often undervalued — solutions is household demand-side flexibility.

Empowering and rewarding consumers who are able to shift how and when they use electricity is a vital power system resource. Demand-side flexibility contributes to a reliable and decarbonised power system while reducing costs, a critical outcome for low-income and disadvantaged households.

On 28 September, the Electrification Academy was pleased to welcome Sophie Yule-Bennett to unpack the insight and recommendations from RAP’s 2022 study The joy of flex: Embracing household demand-side flexibility as a power system resource for Europe. She explored:

• The benefits of demand-side flexibility: sustainability, reliability, equity and affordability.
• Barriers to flexibility as a resource.
• Five key actions for activating household demand-side flexibility.