Resi-flex

Demand-side flexibility allows for the modification of electricity consumption patterns in response to various signals, such as price changes, providing valuable services to the energy system. The benefits of leveraging demand-side flexibility are substantial, including enhanced network stability, optimised use of existing infrastructure, potential deferral of network upgrades, and the creation of opportunities for consumers to actively participate in the energy market, potentially leading to lower energy costs to consumers. 

The scope and intended outcomes have not changed. However, the partners on the project and timeframes for delivery have evolved due to the readiness of retailers to implement the flexibility 

Since commencement, the Resi-Flex project has progressed through three structured phases using a learning-by-doing approach to test and enable residential demand-side flexibility.

Phase 1 established a strong evidence base by engaging consumers and flexibility stakeholders to understand motivations, barriers and network use cases.

Phase 2 translated these insights into the design of three scalable commercial mechanisms and assessed their practicality, regulatory fit and value across the electricity system.

Phase 3 is now well underway and has focused on co-designing and trialling these mechanisms with residential consumers. Key activities completed to date include running an expression-of-interest process to engage retail and flexibility partners; establishing partnerships with Octopus Energy and Ecotricity; designing customer propositions and trial methodologies; recruiting participating households; and delivering multiple live trials. These include Savings Sessions and Shift to Win demand response trials, an EV managed charging trial, and the establishment of an ongoing solar battery export trial.

Data collection, customer feedback and early learnings are now informing refinement and future trial design.

The trials to date demonstrate that residential flexibility is real, customer appetite is stronger than expected, and simple, transparent incentives work best. Savings Sessions in particular have proven effective at engaging a broad range of households, delivering consistent peak reductions, and generating positive customer sentiment. Customers value clear $/kWh rewards, frequent opportunities to participate, and timely feedback that shows the individual and collective impact of their actions on both their bill and the network. Managed EV charging has also performed strongly, with very high levels of off‑peak charging and minimal customer override, indicating trust in automated control when mobility needs are respected.

The outputs from Resi‑Flex are expected to inform our strategy for distribution pricing, flexibility service design, and engagement approaches with retailers, aggregators and customers. Trial results and learnings are also intended to inform Orion's Future Energy Scenarios. 

Key challenges remain. Trial participants have largely been early adopters, leaving a gap in understanding mass‑market responses. Retailer system readiness, device control limitations, and billing complexity continue to constrain scale. Reliable baselining and forecasting are also critical. For other lines companies, early engagement with retailers, simplicity in customer offers, and building trust are essential enablers before scaling flexibility as business‑as‑usual.