Massive energy company British Gas has confirmed that it will be paying customers if they use electricity outside the peak times in the coming months.
People may be paid to use high-energy appliances like washing machines, ovens and tumble dryers at unpopular times of day, like late at night or early morning, reports the Daily Record. However, customers will need to opt-in to the scheme and could be asked to slash electricity use by 30 per cent from 4pm to 7pm.
But, no details have been confirmed by the energy giant yet. British Gas has also not confirmed how much customers can get paid for opting in to the scheme, but Martin Lewis has claimed that a trial will launch "later this year".
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It comes after the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) confirmed it is encouraging energy companies to sign up to a new scheme this winter, aimed at preventing blackouts. The ESO stated that those who avoid using high-energy appliances when demand is high will receive £3 per kilowatt hour back - up from the 52 pence that was previously announced.
Octopus Energy, who have piloted the ESO scheme recently, was the first supplier to officially sign up to the new initiative. The scheme expects customers to pay £4 on average during peak times between November and March, through its Saving Sessions service.
Octopus says this will add up to £100 over winter, if a customer cuts their electricity use by 1kWh once or twice a week, up to around 25 times in total. OVO Energy have also announced a scheme similar to this - but it is separate to the ESO system.
OVO customers who cut their energy use by 12.5 per cent between 4pm and 7pm will get £20 per month. OVO's Power Move trial will run from November to March too, resulting in up to £100 cashback.
MoneySavingExpert reports that the British Gas scheme is being run together with the ESO. The ESO first published information about the new "Demand Flexibility Service" in a report last month.
It is up to each supplier if they sign up or not - if they do, then their customers will be encouraged to use less energy during popular times. But, customers will need a smart meter to take part in the scheme.
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