Another peak-time shut-off of electrical appliances in Edinburgh will occur tonight (January 24), as part of a scheme to avoid national blackouts.
The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) announced yesterday (January 23) that their electricity supplies are predicted to be tighter than they first planned. So, the National Grid carried out the "demand flexibility scheme" in an attempt to save both power and money for households across the UK.
Those who have signed up for this scheme receive money off their energy bills if they turn their electrical appliances during peak hours. And there will be another run of the scheme tonight, from 4:30pm until 6:30pm.
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The news of another peak time shut-off comes as freezing cold temperatures are expected to remain in Scotland well into the month of February, with snow also forecast.
So, how will people find out if they have signed up, or are eligible to sign up for the "demand flexibility scheme"?
What is the National Grid discount scheme?
The demand flexibility scheme is set in place by the National Grid to lower the UK's energy usage during peak times in the day. Ran by electricity suppliers, this scheme also helps lower the risk of national blackouts across the winter season.
Those who have signed up to the scheme will have been paid for last night's event, and could be paid for Tuesday's as well - as long as they use their appliances at different times throughout the day, instead of during peak hours.
Who can sign up for the scheme?
Those who are eligible for the scheme can live anywhere in the UK, but must own a smart meter. Suppliers sign their customers up for the scheme, not the National Grid.
You may have already been contacted by your supplier if you are eligible, inviting you to save money. Once customers have signed up, suppliers will contact them just before the live event to confirm their participation.
Tonight - Tuesday, January 24 - is the second ever live event for the National Grid to use the scheme - with the first only coming 24 hours ago. Previous cold weather has prompted warnings that the scheme may be used, but these were later cancelled.
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