Historically low demand on the electricity grid caused by the COVID-19 lockdown has driven National Grid to look for more ways to balance supply and demand, resulting in the launch of a new scheme paying generators to switch off.

The Optional Downward Flexibility Management (ODFM) scheme is scheduled to run until 31 August 2020 and enables generators with a capacity of at least 1 MW to volunteer to switch off in exchange for payments that should cover lost income, operating costs and provide some additional profit.

ODFM is not just for generators. Anyone who can increase their consumption on demand by at least 1 MW could also join the scheme.

During the recent bank holiday weekend, one of our clients was asked not to run their natural gas Combined Heat and Power engines. If they are found to have fully delivered on their ODFM commitment, they will be paid more than £40,000.

Requirements for joining the ODFM scheme:

• You must have at least 1 MW of electricity generation or consumption capacity of a single technology.
• You must be able to make at least 1 MW of difference at your grid meter in a way that you were not already planning to.

You can read more about the scheme here and if you are interested in joining the scheme give the team a call on 024 7669 8899.