Demand Side Flexibility in V4 Countries

The EUKI-funded project “FLEX4CEE – Flexibility Integration in Central and Eastern Europe” unlocks Demand-Side Flexibility (DSF) markets to empower consumers, integrate renewables and strengthen a resilient, low-carbon energy system. DSF refers to demand-side flexibility in the electricity market: consumers actively and flexibly adjust their energy requirements to the current supply on the grid, so that loads are shifted or rescheduled in order to make use of as much green electricity as possible.

The paper examines DSF across Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. It highlights the potential for consumers to adjust electricity usage in response to market conditions, thereby enhancing grid stability and integrating renewable energy sources. Although DSF is legally permitted, challenges remain in implementation due to regulatory gaps and the slow rollout of smart meters. Dynamic tariffs are largely absent or unpopular, limiting consumer participation. The report advocates for improved infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to unlock the benefits of DSF, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to advance this initiative.