Households across the UK could be paid to use electricity outside of peak hours amid warnings of winter blackouts.
The new scheme will see those who opt in receive money back on their electricity bills so long as they use appliances such as washing machines outside of high demand times.
This scheme is being set up to help avoid blackouts as National Grid warns that three-hour power cuts may be implemented to protect energy supplies.
The body that oversees Britain’s electricity grid have said that this is "unlikely", but have admitted that it could be a "challenging" winter following the Russian invasion of Ukraine - which has contributed to soaring energy prices.
The National Grid Electricity System Operator said: "In the unlikely event we were in this situation, it would mean that some customers could be without power for pre-defined periods during a day - generally this is assumed to be for three-hour blocks."
Families will be being encouraged to sign up to a new the scheme which will give them money back on their bills for energy saving measures such as using a washing machine or dishwasher at unsociable hours, or charging your electric car outside peak times.
The newly launched service will work as an opt-in system for those with a smart energy meter. Households would receive a text message asking them to only use electricity when there is less demand - typically after 7pm.
In exchange, they would receive a payment. Larger businesses will be paid for reducing demand, for example by shifting their times of energy use or switching to batteries or generators in peak times.
The "demand flexibility service" will run from November to March. It is expected to be implemented at least 12 times to ensure a benefit for signatories.
It is hoped it will deliver 2GW of power savings to balance supply and demand.
The ESO's director of corporate affairs, Jake Rigg, said: "The demand flexibility service is a first of its kind and a smart way for signed up consumers in homes and businesses to save money and back Britain.
"If you put your washing machine or other electrical appliances on at night instead of the peak in the early evening, you can get some money back when we all need it.
"The service is due to launch in November, so watch out for further details soon. This really is a window into the future where a flexible energy system will be cleaner and lower cost to alternatives."
However, if those measures failed, and demand for electricity exceeded supply households and businesses could see their power switched off for up to three hours at a time.
Officials stressed that customers would be told in advance. Vital infrastructure such as hospitals would be excluded from the cuts.
Responding to the winter outlook, a Government spokesperson said: "The UK has a secure and diverse energy system.
"We are confident in our plans to protect households and businesses in the full range of scenarios this winter, in light of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
"To strengthen this position further, we have put plans in place to secure supply and National Grid, working alongside energy suppliers and Ofgem, will launch a voluntary service to reward users who reduce demand at peak times."
The spokesperson said Britain is not dependent on Russian energy imports.
They added that there is access to North Sea gas reserves, imports from Norway, and via ports which can handle liquefied natural gas, as well as clean energy sources.
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