Households in Scotland will be paid to turn off their electrical appliances tonight as coal-fire power supplies have been put on standby.
An announcement from the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) stated that its electricity supply margins are expected to be tighter than predicted. The National Grid plans to run its "demand flexibility service" between 5pm and 6pm this evening.
This scheme, which allows households across the UK to be rewarded for reducing their power consumption, has only been tested before. It will be the first time a live event will occur, meaning people who have signed up for it will get discounts on their bills if they stop using appliances tonight.
It comes a the cold snap across the UK has seen energy use rise as more people turn on the heating, with sub-zero temperatures expected to continue into next week.
READ MORE - Lewis Capaldi responds to fans who voiced concerns over his appearance on stage
National Grid has also asked for three coal-fired generators to be put on standby in case supplies run low. However, it said the measures were "precautionary" and it did not mean electricity supplies were at risk.
National Grid will decide this afternoon whether it will need to run the scheme again tomorrow, Tuesday January 24.
So, what is the "demand flexibility scheme", ran by the National Grid? Read on below to find out more about how you can save money on your bills by limiting your appliance use.
What is the National Grid discount scheme?
The "demand flexibility scheme" has been set up to help lower the UK's energy usage at peak times in the day, and to help lower the risk of households facing blackouts this winter.
Those who have signed up for the scheme could be paid to use their appliances during off-peak times, and keep things like dishwashers and ovens off during peak hours.
Who can sign up for the scheme?
You can take part in the scheme from anywhere in the UK - but only if you own a smart meter. People will also need to sign up via their supplier, not through the National Grid.
Suppliers may have contacted those eligible already, inviting them to join the scheme. Once you have signed up, suppliers will contact you prior to the event to confirm that you want to participate.
Tonight - Monday, January 23 - is the first time ever that the National Grid has officially used the scheme to reduce pressure on the grid.
Previous cold snaps have prompted the National Grid to send out warnings that the scheme may come into affect - 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.”
READ NEXT -
Daughter of rail tycoon targeted at Hamilton gym with graffiti slurs
Glasgow east end residents 'unable to open their windows' due to smell coming from nearby landfill
Glasgow charities fear for future as hundreds miss out on vital funding
Lanarkshire pub leaseholder 'devastated' after being ordered to leave by end of the month
Glasgow couple who lost two babies raise thousands for charity that helped them through
