EDF backs flexibility revolution

EDF is supporting the expansion of flexibility services across Great Britain, helping more households and businesses play a greater role in the transition to a lower-carbon electricity system.

The move comes as renewable energy generation continues to grow and electricity demand increases through the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, batteries and other smart technologies.

Flexibility services allow consumers to adjust when and how they use electricity, helping to balance the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuel generation during peak periods.

The UK Government’s Clean Flexibility Roadmap has identified the need for a major increase in flexibility capacity by 2030 to support a cleaner and more resilient energy network.

A significant step forward came with the introduction of industry rule change P483 by Elexon in November 2025. The reform removes barriers that previously prevented many homes and small businesses from participating in flexibility markets.

Until recently, flexibility providers could only access customers using half-hourly electricity settlement.

The new rules allow assets such as EV chargers and home batteries to participate through dedicated asset meters, even when connected to standard electricity meters.

The change opens flexibility markets to a much larger number of consumers, creating opportunities to lower energy bills while supporting grid stability and emissions reduction.

Christopher Dalley, Director of Business and Wholesale Services at EDF, said: “This industry rule change is an important step forward for flexibility in the Great Britain making it easier for many more customers to participate in energy markets and unlock value from assets such as EVs and batteries.”

John Lucas, Head of Market Design at Elexon, added: “Opening electricity markets to consumer-led flexibility is key to Great Britain meeting Clean Power 2030 targets. However, we need to support people who cannot provide flexibility until their supplier moves their meter to half-hourly settlement. Through the rule change, Elexon is helping to support these consumers and ensure that they don’t miss out on opportunities, maintaining the momentum in flexibility provision.”

As renewable energy becomes a larger part of the electricity mix, flexibility is increasingly recognised as a vital tool for reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and building a more sustainable energy future.