National Grid has announced details of a scheme that will see people given money off their energy bills if they reduce how much power they use at peak times this winter - with potential savings of £100 per home. The move is designed to prevent blackouts and will be trialed on 12 days between November and March.
Only homes with smart meters will be able to take part and customers taking part will be given 24 hours' notice. On the test day they will have to reduce how much energy they use between 4pm and 7pm to qualify for an energy bill discount.
Simple ways to cut power use would be to delay using a washing machine, dishwasher or tumble drier. You can also cook food before or after the peak hours - as well as switching off lights, computers, TVs and even heating for those hours.
