This insight is more than 2 years old
Just transition
Heat & homes
Clean power

Consumer-led flexibility will require a step change in how we engage people to shape the future energy system

Date
September 26, 2025

Table Contents

At a glance

Regen strongly supports the government’s ambition to scale up consumer-led flexibility (CLF) as a cornerstone of a clean, flexible energy system. However, achieving this ambition will require a step change in how we engage consumers – not just as passive recipients of energy services, but as active participants in shaping the future energy system.

Our response to the government's consultation on CLF makes the case for wider, more meaningful engagement, with NESO taking the lead as the trusted, independent 'guardian of the energy system'.

We also argue that the focus of a consumer engagement framework should be on non-financial incentives to build a sense of collective engagement and value, rather than how best to ‘sell’ flexibility to an unengaged public.

Key recommendations

  • The government should appoint NESO as the responsible body to ‘hold the space’ which defines the national narrative and language around flexibility, which must be adopted by suppliers.
  • The CLF framework should focus on a central, trusted neutral body that can provide nationwide and tailored feedback to consumers so they feel involved in managing the national energy system, rather than offering advice on accessing a marginal income stream.
  • Coordination is critical, so that consumers get the same interface, service, feedback and experience of flexibility regardless of who their supplier is.
  • Expand the outreach of NESO and DESNZ to be more creative in engaging consumers.
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