British Gas customers will have the opportunity tonight to get money back on their energy bills due to a National Grid scheme.
Customers can help the National Grid save electricity while earning credit by taking part in the Peak Save scheme, which is part of a country-wide effort to ease the strain on the UK's energy grid at peak times. It is hoped that this will allow everyone in the country to get the electricity they need.
It is part of a wider scheme by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) known as the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) which will run its first live service later this evening from 5pm to 6pm. According to British Gas, those taking part in Peak Save can earn £20 towards their bills - the equivalent of six days of free electricity (depending on average use).
However, not everyone will be eligible to take part in the scheme. British Gas has confirmed that customers who are able to take part in the scheme should already have received an invite via email.
It adds: "If you haven’t been invited by us, unfortunately you won’t be able to take part at the moment. "
Customers hoping to take part in any other future live services must have a smart meter installed and ensure that their provider is taking part in the scheme - if they are, they will usually ask if you want to be involved.
During the event, you will be asked to reduce your electricity consumption. You could do this by opting not to use power-hungry appliances - such as washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers and electric showers - for the duration of the event. You could also make energy-saving swaps, 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. For British Gas customers, you may even get double the rewards and if you save even just a little bit of electricity, it will ensure you earn at least £1 for every session you save.
After the announcement of the scheme's approval Fintan Slye, Executive Director of the ESO, said: "We are delighted that Ofgem have approved the use of our Demand Flexibility Service this winter. It will help mitigate the potential risks that the ESO has outlined in its Winter Outlook and will allow consumers to see a financial return for reducing their electricity use at peak times.
"As a responsible operator of the electricity system we have developed this innovative Demand Flexibility Service to compliment the robust set of tools we already use to balance the electricity system every day."
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