UK households could receive money back on bills for using certain electrical appliances outside of peak hours.
In a new scheme that is being run by National Grid, Brits could be incentivised to reduce their energy usage during busy periods. This comes as the National Grid Electricity System Operator warned that blackouts could be implemented to protect energy supplies, although they say that this is "unlikely".
A similar scheme is going to be trialled by energy supplier OVO, which will see customers paid for using less energy during the high demand hours of 4pm - 7pm. This is again because there isn't enough renewable energy to go around during peak hours.
Both schemes are set to kick off in November and could help people save amid soaring energy bills and the cost of living crisis. There is more information is still to come regarding the National Grid "Demand Flexibility Service" but so far we know that only appliances switched on for more than 30 minutes qualify for any sort of refund.
It is also unclear how the refund will work, reports the Mirror. It is thought households would potentially be in line for about £10 a day.
A likely list of appliances that could qualify for refunds is:
- Washing machine - costs 37p on average if run for one hour
- Slow cooker - 16p if used for one hour
- Dishwasher -22.4p
- Charging an electric car - £2.40 per hour
- Fridge - 1p if run for an hour.
- Oven - £1.04 an hour
- Tumble dryer - 70.9p if run for an hour
The ESO's director of corporate affairs, Jake Rigg, said: "The demand flexibility service is a first of its kind and a smart way for signed up consumers in homes and businesses to save money and back Britain. If you put your washing machine or other electrical appliances on at night instead of the peak in the early evening, you can get some money back when we all need it.
"The service is due to launch in November, so watch out for further details soon. This really is a window into the future where a flexible energy system will be cleaner and lower cost to alternatives."
However a consumer charity group has warrened that you should first ensure that these appliances are safe to use before running them overnight.
Martyn Allen, Technical Director of Electrical Safety First commented: "Households will understandably be considering all their options during a financially challenging time, yet it is essential that anyone considering using appliances at night do all they can to mitigate their risk of a fire with a few simple spot checks.
"Ensure your appliances are not subject to a recall, that cables are not damaged and that filters are regularly emptied to reduce a build up of lint. Finally, ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every floor in your house, it could save your life."
If the energy-saving measures do fail, and demand for electricity exceeded supply, households and businesses could see their power switched off for up to three hours at a time.
Officials stressed that customers would be told in advance. Vital infrastructure such as hospitals would be excluded from the cuts. The National Grid said there are two gigawatts of coal-fired power plants on stand-by, if needed to meet demand.
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