Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to achieve smart shifting of consumer demand for energy to help smooth peaks in demand and absorb excess supply.

The Government is working with Ofgem to implement the 2021 Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan, and with National Grid as they review the Demand Flexibility Service that last winter incentivised businesses and households to reduce electricity demand at peak periods. Alongside “Powering Up Britain”, the Government published our consultation response on Delivering a Smart and Secure Electricity System. It set out a multi-year programme to support competitive and well-functioning markets in Energy Smart Appliances and Demand Side Response services which will facilitate shifting electricity demand, thus reducing system costs and benefitting consumers in terms of their energy costs and choices.