Millions of households across the UK could receive a discount on their energy bills if they turn off their appliances this evening.
After recent cold weather over the last few weeks has meant that more people are now heating their homes, and a lack of wind has reduced renewable sources, the National Grid ESO says it has seen an increase in demand for energy nationwide – and so, has decide to activate its Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) for the first time ever.
The activation of the DFS meant that some households with smart meters under several UK energy companies were eligible for reductions to their bills if they saved energy between 5pm and 6pm yesterday.
The National Grid ESO has now said this will also apply between 4:30pm and 6pm today.
As part of cautious measures to ensure we continue to have adequate operational reserves tomorrow evening the ESO has activated the Demand Flexibility Service for Tuesday evening between 4:30pm-6pm.
— National Energy System Operator (@neso_energy) January 23, 2023
Announcing an extension of the DFS to today, the National Grid ESO said: “As part of cautious measures to ensure we continue to have adequate operational reserves tomorrow evening the ESO has activated the Demand Flexibility Service for Tuesday evening between 4:30pm-6pm.
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“We have taken this decision as we currently see a similar operational picture to the one available on Sunday.
“The use of these additional services is not an indication that electricity supplies are at risk, but that we require greater options to manage the network as normal.”
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The company also revealed that, alongside the live Demand Flexibility Service event on Tuesday evening, it has now instructed 3/5 winter contingency contract coal units to warm for availability today, but only if this is required.
Alongside the live Demand Flexibility Service event on Tuesday evening we have now instructed 3/5 winter contingency contract coal units to warm for availability tomorrow if required.
— National Energy System Operator (@neso_energy) January 23, 2023
With the idea behind the DFS being for the National Grid ESO to moderate demand when it’s at its highest during very cold winter days, this means that UK households with up-to-date smart meters can access discounts if they cut their electricity use by turning off energy-intensive appliances during set times on specific days.
The discounts will only be available to households which are signed up to the DFS scheme via their energy supplier.
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How does the DFS scheme work?
The DFS scheme reportedly compares usage during the specific time against a customer’s usual demand.
The scheme then pays £3 for every unit or kilowatt hour (kWh) saved.
This means, that for the households signed-up to the scheme, you could be in line for being paid up to £20 if you switch off ovens, dishwashers, tumble driers, and games consoles, among other appliances, as well as avoiding charging up an electric car if you have one.
Consumers will get an alert before the DFS kicks in, telling them how to reduce energy to earn their discount, and the scheme will then assess how much energy they saved between the allotted time and then pay accordingly.
Millions of UK households could get paid to turn off their appliances tonight / Credit: British Gas
Am I eligible for the scheme?
To be eligible for the DFS, your household will need to be fitted with a smart meter that sends readings to your energy provider every half an hour.
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You’ll, of course, also need to ensure that your energy provider is a supporter of the scheme.
How long is the scheme running for? And which energy suppliers are supporting it?
Despite having only been used in tests so far, the DFS scheme has now been activated and is due to stay in place until March, with a total of 26 energy suppliers across the UK supporting it – including some big-name companies.
British Gas, Octopus Energy, EDF, and OVO Energy are just a handful of the energy suppliers offering discounts to households with smart metres this evening.
You can find out if your energy supplier is supporting the scheme here.
Featured Image – Flickr | Unsplash
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Greater Manchester’s ‘Stroll for Salford’ walking event returns for its second year in 2026
Danny Jones
Following its successful debut last year, Greater Manchester’s now much-loved Stroll for Salford (SfS) event is back for 2026 this autumn.
We’d like to think everyone from around here is filled with hometown pride, but you ask anyone from Salford, and they’ll quickly remind you that this place is its own city, and that it quite rightly deserves celebrating all of its own.
And that’s exactly what the SfS is all about: not just toasting it as the region’s so-called ‘second city’, but as the culturally abundant place that it is and has been for more than 100 years.
Yes, with this sophomore edition following on from the borough celebrating its official Centenary, what better time to hail all things Salfordian.
Stroll for Salford is back🚶🧡
We are delighted to announce the return of the popular fundraising walk back for its second edition on Saturday 19th September as part of Salford's Centenary Year celebrations!
— Salford City FC Foundation (@SalfordCity_FDN) July 30, 2026
Set up by Salford City FC and the partnered charity arm, Foundation 92, the inaugural walk raised more than £3,000 for charity with its maiden event.
Thousands got behind the cause, be it through volunteering and/or donating, as well as talking on the walking route itself back in October.
It’s actually happening a little earlier this time, with the second Stroll for Salford scheduled for Saturday, 19 September.
Kicking off from 10am, those taking part will be setting out on foot for a six-mile journey across the city, starting at the likes of the Civic Centre in Swinton, before passing through other key towns and finishing, of course, at Salford’s AIG Stadium on Moor Lane in Kersal.
The local League Two side continues to do plenty of important work in and around the community – this is just one of many recent, well-received initiatives.
As mentioned earlier, those getting involved will not only receive a special Salford t-shirt following the event alongside a finisher’s medal, but even a complimentary ticket to go and see ‘The Ammies’ in action at their home ground this season.
Not a bad deal at all.
For anyone uninitiated interested in coming along the journey, the route will also pass several key landmarks and a real sense of local history – all while doing your bit for a good cause.
You can help raise important funds for the local area and sign up for the Stroll for Salford 2026 HERE.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, another wholesome all-ages event is fast-approaching this August, too; keep on reading to find out all about it…
ITV is reviving an iconic music trivia gameshow Name That Tune from the 70s
Emily Sergeant
ITV is set to revive one of the most iconic music-themed gameshows of all time for a new generation.
That’s right – Name That Tune is making a comeback.
Based on the successful US format of the same name, and airing in the UK on its original run from 1976 through to 1987, before being rebooted for the first time by Channel 5 from 1997-98, Name That Tune is being revived for the third time and is set to hit screens on ITV early next year.
If you’re unfamiliar with the premise of the show, Name That Tune sees contestants pitted against each other as their music knowledge is put to the test in a series of fast-paced rounds that featuring tracks from some of the world’s best-loved music artists and bands across every genre, all building towards a nail-biting finale.
Competitors will be tasked with correctly deciphering iconic riffs, melodies and lyrics from some of the biggest songs on the planet.
Set to be presented by Alison Hammond, and with a studio audience singing along, the show’s reboot will invite viewers at home to play from their living rooms, making it the ultimate soundtrack for all generations.
Every round is designed to challenge music enthusiasts by asking them just one simple question – can you name that tune?
“As a massive music lover, my biggest challenge as a host will be trying not to grab the mic and start singing along when one of my all-time favourite tunes comes on,” commented Alison Hammond as she was announced as the host for the reboot.
“And trust me… that will take serious self control.
“I grew up absolutely loving the original show so being part of this now feels like a real full-circle moment. I cannot wait to get into the studio, put the contestants through their paces, and see who really knows their music.”
ITV has told viewers to expect the show to be ‘bigger, louder, and more feel-good than ever’ once it returns in January.
Emily Sergeant -
24th January 2023 
