The operator of Britain's electricity system says it is to keep a scheme that aims to help prevent blackouts for the coming winter.

National Grid ESO said it was "prudent to maintain" the demand flexibility service (DFS), which was introduced in 2022 in the wake of Europe's gas squeeze caused by the war in Ukraine.

The operator added that the terms of the scheme were now out for consultation.

Its early winter outlook report, due to be updated in September, expected sufficient capacity to meet demand this winter after the turmoil leading up to 2022/23 when gas flows from Russia were stopped.

The DFS, which was activated for the first time in January after a series of tests and false alarms, sees volunteer households paid to turn off their main appliances at times of peak demand.