Anyone tempted by the offer of saving £100 from their energy bills by using appliances over night has been issued with a warning by safety experts. Households will be able to receive discounts on energy bills if they reduce their electricity usage from peak hours on certain days, after National Grid plans were given the go-ahead by the energy regulator.
The network operator, which revealed the service as part of efforts to avoid potential blackouts, has said households could save up to £100 through the limited scheme. Rnergy watchdog Ofgem has approved the proposals for National Grid electricity system operator (ESO) to launch the programme, called a demand flexibility service, from November until March.
There will be a total of 12 test days to see how customers respond. Only customers with smart meters will be able to take part. Households participating through the programme will be sent a message from the network if there is increased pressure on the system.
It will ask people and businesses who have signed up to reduce or move their electricity usage outside peak hours.
But Electrical Safety First has reminded households to do what they can to reduce their risk if running appliances overnight.
Martyn Allen, Technical Director of Electrical Safety First said: “Households will understandably be considering all their options during a financially challenging time, yet it is essential that anyone considering using appliances at night do all they can to mitigate their risk of a fire with a few simple spot checks.
"Ensure your appliances are not subject to a recall, that cables are not damaged and that filters are regularly emptied to reduce a build up of lint. Finally, ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every floor in your house, it could save your life.”
A full list of spot checks from Electrical Safety First:
Make sure your home is fitted with working smoke alarms on every floor. Test it regularly – ideally weekly
Register your appliance with the manufacturer so you can be notified if there's a problem
Do not overload your plug sockets as this can lead to overheating
Clean all filters regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions
Check the cables and plugs of your appliances for any signs of wear and tear
If you're concerned about an appliance in your home, use Electrical Safety First's online product checker to see if it has been recalled
If you think there might be a problem with your appliance, unplug it and contact the retailer, manufacturer or a qualified repair technician, as appropriate
