Why flexibility is key to decarbonising GB’s grid with Marzia Zafar (Deputy Director @ Ofgem)

As the UK works toward a fully decarbonised power system by 2035, one thing is clear: hitting climate targets will require a more flexible electricity system.

But that flexibility won’t just come from utility-scale batteries or grid-scale innovation. It will need support from consumers, households, businesses, and communities that can shift, shape, and reduce their electricity use.

In this episode of Transmission, Ed Porter is joined by Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director of Governance for Data & Digitalization at Ofgem, to explore why consumer flexibility is no longer just a nice-to-have, it’s now essential for grid stability, cost efficiency, and net-zero progress.

We dig into the economics behind demand-side response, the role of price signals and digital infrastructure, and the policy decisions needed to unlock this potential at scale. Whether you’re a system operator, innovator, or just trying to understand what demand flexibility actually means, this conversation is packed with insight.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why demand-side flexibility matters now more than ever, and how it supports both consumers and the system.
• The practical and policy steps needed to scale flexibility across millions of homes and businesses.
• How real-time price signals and automation can help shift consumer load and reduce system costs.
• The regulatory shift underway at Ofgem, and why this matters for innovators and aggregators.
• Why enabling consumer flexibility is a ‘no regrets’ decision for a decarbonised energy future.

About our guest

Marzia Zafar is Deputy Director of Strategy and Decarbonisation at Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator. With nearly three decades of experience across policy, utilities, and innovation, Marzia has worked on both sides of the Atlantic to design regulatory frameworks that support the clean energy transition. At Ofgem, she plays a leading role in shaping strategy around consumer flexibility, digitalisation, and system planning ensuring that market design keeps pace with the evolving needs of a net-zero grid. For more information on Ofgem - head to their website.

About Modo Energy

Modo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.

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