Households in Scotland will be given a discount to turn off their electrical appliances tonight as coal-fire power supplies have been told to remain on standby.
The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) announced that their electricity supply margins are expected to be tighter than predicted. The Sun reports that the National Grid are planning to run their "demand flexibility service" between 5pm and 6pm this evening, January 23.
The scheme has only been done in test form before, but will be used for the first time ever in a live event tonight. Those who have signed up for it will get money off on their bills if they stop using appliances tonight.
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This news comes as the current freezing weather across the UK has seen energy use rise as more people turn on the heating, with below-zero temperatures set to continue in the coming days.
The National Grid has also requested that three coal-fired generators are to be put on standby, in case electrical supplies run too low. However, they confirmed that these measures were "precautionary" and this does not mean electricity supplies were in danger.
The National Grid will decide before this evening if the scheme will run again tomorrow, Tuesday January 24. So, how do you know if you are eligible for the "demand flexibility scheme"?
Read on below for more information on how you can save money on your energy bills, by limiting the use of electrical appliances.
What is the National Grid discount scheme?
The discount scheme, set in place by the National Grid and ran by suppliers, has been set up to lower the countries energy usage during peak times in the day. It also helps lower the risk of households that could face blackouts during winter.
Those who have signed up to the scheme already could be paid - as early as this evening - to use their appliances at different times throughout the day, instead of during peak hours.
Who can sign up for the scheme?
People are eligible for the scheme if they live anywhere in the UK, and 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 - Monday, January 23 - is the first live event for the National Grid to use the scheme, in order to reduce pressure on the grid. Previous cold weather has prompted warnings that the scheme may be used, but these were later cancelled.
An ESO spokesperson said: “Our forecasts show electricity supply margins are expected to be tighter than normal on Monday evening.
"We have instructed coal-fired power units to be available to increase electricity supplies should it be needed.
"We are also activating a Live Demand Flexibility Service event between 5-6pm.
"This does not mean electricity supplies are at risk and people should not be worried. These are precautionary measures to maintain the buffer of spare capacity we need.”
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