Households will get another chance to get paid to switch off their electricity tonight (Thursday, March 23), with both British Gas and Octopus Energy offering a payment boost for customers taking part.
The initiative, called the Demand Flexibility Scheme, sees consumers paid to save electricity at key times, as part of plans to help avoid blackouts in the UK amid energy supply concerns. The National Grid launched the scheme in November and it is due to end later this month.
In order to take part, you need to be with an energy provider that offers the scheme, and you need to have a smart meter installed. If you are eligible, your energy supplier should have contacted you about the scheme and asked whether you want to be involved.
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During the event, consumers are asked to reduce their electricity consumption. This could be done by opting not to use power-hungry appliances - such as washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers and electric showers - for the duration of the event. Energy-saving swaps could also be made, such as by cooking with your microwave rather than your oven.
If you manage to reduce your consumption you will be rewarded by your energy provider, which could include money off your next electricity bill. Some suppliers may offer rewards in the form of vouchers. A typical household could have potentially saved around £100 this winter by participating in each demonstration test offered.
Tonight's event takes place between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Tonight, both British Gas and Octopus Energy are offering extra incentives to customers who take part. Read on to find out what's on offer...
British Gas
British Gas says its customers can earn around £4 for every unit of electricity that they reduce their consumption by during events, although it is up to the National Grid to decide how much each kWh you save is worth.
The supplier has already been doubling payments for those taking part this winter, but it is set to triple the payments made to customers for tonight's event, which will go towards credit on your energy bill.
A British Gas spokesperson said: “We will be tripling the payments made to customers for this event to provide a greater incentive to shift demand. For instance, if you save 1kWh in energy and National Grid pays you £3 then we will triple this to £9 and it will all go as a credit on your energy bill.
"We will also boost customers who make small savings to make sure they earn at least £1 from each event.
“The electricity grid is facing increased pressure and smart technology will play a key role in managing peak demand. During this trial we are testing how we can use this scheme to reduce consumption whilst having the added benefit of helping customers save on their energy bills."
Octopus
Octopus Energy customers earn their rewards in OctoPoints. OctoPoints can then be turned into prizes, donations to the Octo Assist fund for customers in need, or cold hard cash.
The supplier has said it will be offering customers 33 per cent more OctoPoints per kWh saved during tonight's events.
It means a household will be able to get 2,400 OctoPoints, worth £3, per kWh saved compared to normal. There's also the chance for one customer who opts in tonight to win 800,000 OctoPoints, worth £1,000.
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