Associate feature: Unlocking the benefits of flexibility in Scotland’s energy future

Reaching net zero in Scotland will require significant efforts across all sectors. For the future energy system, one key shift could involve households using energy more flexibly. Doing so could help people in Scotland save money and reduce emissions, while also supporting energy security and helping us to make the most of our abundant renewables.

Behaviour change on the pathway to net zero

62% of the emissions reductions needed to hit net zero in the UK depend directly on changes in public behaviour¹. Some of that involves new green technologies and learning how to use them, like heat pumps, electric vehicles, and smart home energy solutions, but it also requires adapting our approach to energy use. 

A recent report by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), in collaboration with Smart Energy GB, “Empowering Flexibility: Unlocking Consumer Engagement in Demand Flexibility” analyses the benefits and barriers of enhanced use of energy demand flexibility. 

The practice of increasing, decreasing, or shifting energy use by consumers is commonly known as “demand flexibility” or “consumer-led flexibility”. This flexibility will be particularly important as more households across Scotland use technologies such as heat pumps, storage batteries and EVs. Many energy providers now offer rewards for participating in energy flexibility schemes, such as specific tariffs, reduced costs, or reward points for using electricity at specific times of the day. An example could be people with EVs charging their vehicles overnight when the price of energy is lower.

Making the most of flexibility in the energy system could help people save money on their energy bills, while also reducing grid pressure at peak times. This in turn reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, maximising the use of renewables. 

BIT’s research highlighted consumers value such convenience, lower costs and control, but there needs to be better awareness of the benefits of demand flexibility, alongside improved understanding of how to “flex”. 

The role of smart meters 

Smart meters are essential for enabling these additional savings. The research showed that people with smart meters currently have a better understanding of their energy use and how they can change their energy behaviours. Smart meters are also a gateway to increased awareness and engagement with demand flexibility, which will be essential if we are to unlock the full benefits of it for people and planet.

Building consumer awareness

Reaching net zero will require more consumers to participate in flexibility. But participation won’t happen overnight – it will require good consumer awareness, understanding, and confidence in the future energy system. To achieve this, consumers are asking for more information, with evidence suggesting consumers support clear messages, delivered by trusted voices and underpinned by credible expertise.

Energy flexibility is just one element of Scotland’s net zero journey, but it’s an important one, particularly as households adopt new technologies. If we’re to grasp the full benefits, we need to bring people along on this journey.

¹Net Zero communications, marketing and public engagement’, BIT, September 2024 

Smart Energy GB is holding an event in Scottish Parliament “Get Smart: Energy Flexibility and a Net Zero Future” on Tuesday 13th May (CR1) at 6pm alongside the Behavioural Insights Team, co-sponsored by Sarah Boyack MSP and Jackie Dunbar MSP. We encourage MSPs to join us to hear more about the new reports and the next steps for consumer engagement and demand flexibility. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lyndsey Croal:

Lyndsey.Croal@smartenergyGB.org

Smart Energy GB is the national, not-for-profit, consumer engagement campaign supporting the smart meter rollout. Last year, we also launched the Smart Energy Academy to support parliamentarians with information about smart meters and the energy system.

Find out more:

www.smartenergyGB.org/smart-energy-academy

This article is sponsored by Smart Energy GB and BIT.

www.smartenergygb.org

www.bi.team