People with smart meters could be paid to use some appliances at off-peak times this winter. Under plans consumers would be rewarded for changing the time they carry out use the dishwasher or tumble dryer - two high domestic energy devices.
The National Grid ESO (electricity system operator) plans, first revealed by The Sunday Times, could mean people get as much as £6 per kWh saved, which would add up to hundreds of pounds a year. The plans were set out to major suppliers, Ofgem and 100 other interested groups in a webinar on Thursday.
The grid is to apply to Ofgem, the regulator, for approval and hopes to open the scheme by late October. A Whitehall source suggested ministers would probably look favourably on the plan.
