Millions of UK households will be paid to use appliances - including washing machines - outside peak hours this winter. It comes as the National Grid warns some areas may experience blackouts if power plants cannot get enough gas to keep running.
To help avoid blackouts, families will be being encouraged to sign up to a new a scheme which will give them money back on their bills to use appliances outside of high demand times. This could include using your 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.
