People could be paid for reducing the amount of electricity they use at peak times under a new scheme, according to reports. The new scheme would be rolled out by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) after a successful trial with Octopus Energy customers.
The scheme sees people rewarded for avoiding the use of appliances such as ovens, washing machines and dishwashers during peak hours with householders paid as much as £6 for each kilowatt-hour they avoid using, according to The Times.
The National Grid ESO said the scheme could be cheaper than paying fossil fuel power plants to generate more electricity - and claims it could also help reduce the risk of blackouts. National Grid ESO trialled the scheme with 100,000 smart meter customers with Octopus Energy earlier this year, who were told to reduce their energy consumption between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
Octopus said the average household saved 23p per two-hour period, though some saved as much as £4.35. More energy suppliers are now said to have been written to by National Grid SEO to gauge their interest in the scheme.
The cost of the proposed scheme would reportedly be levied on household bills - however, the National Grid believes all households should benefit.
A spokeswoman for National Grid ESO told The Times: "Demand shifting has the potential to save consumers money, reduce carbon emissions and offer greater flexibility on the system."
