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In today's rapidly evolving energy landscape, 'flexibility' has emerged as a crucial concept in the electricity system. But what exactly does flexibility mean in this context, and why is it so important? 

Flexibility or Flexible Demand refers to the ability to adjust or shift electricity usage in response to changes in supply or demand. It enables customers to take more control of when they use or store electricity, depending on local renewable generation and the electrical network conditions.   

By shifting energy demand to times when lots of renewable energy is being generated locally, we can reduce our national energy costs and carbon footprint. Flexible demand products allow businesses and domestic customers to take control of their electricity usage and benefit from reduced costs and a reduced carbon footprint.   

Flexible Demand is central to reducing Irelands' carbon footprint. It also supports the rapid increases in demand for electricity as we move towards the electrification of heat and transport. It maximises the value out of renewable generation across the Irish electricity system, quickly, efficiently, and securely. At ESB Networks, we have a responsibility to create the conditions in which flexibility can grow and thrive. 

Following publication of the Climate Action Plan 2023 in December 2022, ESB Networks published its Networks for Net Zero Strategy in January 2023 , with a clear commitment to Ireland’s climate action policies and ambitions. With increasing urgency, we are working towards the Climate Action Plan target of 15-20% flexible demand by 2025, building on the pre-existing target of 20-30% by 2030. 

ESB Networks believes that Flexible Demand will be central to Ireland’s ability to reduce carbon emissions, by enabling low carbon demand growth by matching new or changing energy demand with renewable energy generation.  

Flexible Demand relies on the choices that we all make in our homes, farms, and businesses, about how, when and how much electricity we use. ESB Networks is developing flexible demand products and services to provide customers and communities with the incentives and information they need to help deliver on Ireland's Climate Action Plan.