Britain’s largest energy supplier will become the latest to pay its customers to reduce the amount of electricity that they use during peak hours in order to help take pressure off the grid. British Gas said that it hoped 100,000 customers would sign up as it launches the demand flexibility service for the households that it supplies.
The supplier becomes the latest – and the largest – to sign up to the scheme – which is run by National Grid. However, its ambitions for participation are lower than Octopus Energy, which has so far signed up more than 400,000 customers to its version of the scheme.
Customers with smart meters will be sent emails asking them if they want to take part, British Gas said. “The electricity grid is facing increased pressure and smart technology plays a key role in managing peak demand – reducing consumption has the added benefit of helping consumers save on their energy bills,” said chief executive Chris O’Shea.
