HOMEFlex Project

HOMEFlex is a domestic energy flexibility initiative building on prior schemes and research. The project aims to establish standards protecting domestic and micro-business customers engaging with flexibility services.

Key Partners & Funding

Partnership with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)
Funded by the NIA (Network Innovation Allowance)
Developed with Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)

Project Goals

The initiative focuses on three core areas: ensuring transparency, inclusivity and respect between service aggregators and consumers. The work involves creating common practice standards and a code of conduct for flexibility service providers serving residential and small business markets.

The Domestic and Microbusiness Code of Conduct

The Code establishes fairness standards for the sector, covering:

Transparency in service offerings and pricing
Fair contractual terms for domestic customers
Protection of vulnerable consumers
Clear complaints and dispute resolution processes
Data protection and privacy standards

Download: Domestic & Microbusiness Code of Conduct (PDF)

Research Outputs

Research Report 1 (January 2023)

Led by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, this report presents qualitative findings on consumer needs regarding flexibility market protections, assessing code alignment with consumer concerns.

Research Report 2 (2024)

Led by ADE and CSE, this report investigated flexibility service providers' perspectives on the final code and included compliance scheme design recommendations.

Final Recommendations Report

Outlines compliance scheme proposals for protecting consumers in the rapidly expanding domestic flexibility market ahead of expected FSP licensing in 2027.

Open Consultation (July 2023)

A public feedback period on the draft code, with responses documented and incorporated.

Working Group Members

The HOMEFlex Working Group comprised 19 organisations including:

Carbon Trust
Centrica
Citizens Advice
National Energy Action
Octopus Energy
OVO Energy
Renewable energy associations
And other industry stakeholders