Households will be able to receive discounts on energy bills if they reduce their electricity usage from peak hours on certain days.
National Grid, which revealed the service as part of efforts to avoid potential blackouts, has said households could save up to £100 through the limited scheme. Energy 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.
In the coming days, the ESO will seek to run the first tests for the service, which will also be available to businesses. 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.
