Case Study: The Electricity System Operator achieves rapid demand flexibility service launch with Capgemini

ESO provides British electricity customers with flexibility service

The Electricity System Operator (ESO) faced a major challenge after the war in Ukraine disrupted global energy supplies, creating a risk of winter electricity shortfalls in Great Britain. To protect supply and reduce peak demand, ESO worked with Capgemini and its Microsoft Power Platform-based tools to rapidly design a Demand Flexibility Service that could incentivize households and businesses to cut usage during critical periods.

Capgemini helped ESO define the end-to-end process, secure regulatory approval, and prepare the organization through change management, training, and communications. The service was delivered in just four weeks for the tools build and launched after a four-month rapid design period. The results were significant: 31 providers enrolled 1.6 million households and businesses, 22 events delivered 3.3 GWh of demand reduction, and ESO avoided about 760 tonnes of CO2 emissions, helping keep Britain’s power system stable.