Households could be handed cash to turn off electricity-guzzling appliances at peak times this winter in a new measure to tackle energy shortages.
Fears that high usage in autumn and winter could over-stretch the power network has lead officials at the National Grid to draw up the new 'rebate' scheme, according to insiders.
The measure, which would require approval by energy regulator Ofgem before being introduced in late October, could involve payments of up to £6 per kWh to households which cut down in the three-hour peak slot between 5pm and 8pm.
A National Grid spokesman said: "We are developing a new service that will be available for consumers to benefit from across this winter and will be announcing further information soon."
Another industry source assured Express.co.uk that the move would not encourage people to be uncomfortable, saying: "It is definitely not about people sitting in the dark, or volunteering to be cold. It is about doing the washing at a different time of day, that sort of stuff.”
The rebates were first trialled among 105,000 Octopus Energy customers back in February and March, who were asked to turn down appliances for two hours on eight separate occasions.
Octopus then issued a payment of a payment of 22.7p for every kWh saved to households who cut their usage by 30 to 40 percent.
According to the Energy Savings Trust, as much as 1 4% of a typical household energy bill is accounted for by use of washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers. Consumer electronics such as laptops, TVs and games consoles meanwhile make up around 6%.
In a separate measure announced by government, millions of households will also receive the Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS) to help with rising bills this winter.
Under the scheme, which will be implemented by each supplier, households will receive £400 which will be paid over six months from October 2022.
