Are you eligible for a National Grid payout? Emergency winter plan is activated trends now
More than 1million households and businesses will be paid to cut their electricity usage today as a new scheme goes live – amid warnings supplies will be ‘tighter than normal’.
The National Grid said it would be activating its Demand Flexibility Service between 5pm and 6pm. People who cook their meal outside that time, delay bathing their children or put off their laundry should get money off their bills.
The scheme offers people the chance to save between £10 and £20 a day to cut their electricity usage during peak times in order to reduce pressure on the grid.
People will get money off their bills, as long as they are signed up via 26 energy companies. They must have a smart meter - meaning half the country will miss out.
There are expected to be up to ten of these events this winter. People will get a text the say before telling them when reduce energy use. The time may change each time but is likely to be between 4pm and 7pm - the peak time in the UK for energy use.
The National Grid is encouraging homeowners to take part in the scheme in a bid to avoid potential blackouts - this is how much they could save. Experts have suggested its customers could save as much as £240 this winter if there are 12 Demand Flexibility Service events called by the National Grid
What is the "demand flexibility service"?
National Grid ESO said it had given the instructions in light of forecasts showing electricity supply margins may be tighter than normal on Monday.
It added it was also activating a live "demand flexibility service" - which allows the ESO to access additional flexibility when national demand is at its highest during peak winter days - between 5-6pm on Monday.
The scheme entitles some households with smart meters to discounts if they cut their use of electricity. It is due to stay in place until March.
How can I sign up?
The National Grid will run events asking customers to reduce their electricity use during a set time.
26 companies have signed up. They will either invite customers to sign up or allow them to apply via their websites.
Which companies are involved?
British Gas - Domestic CarbonLaces - Domestic and Non-domestic Conrad Energy - Non-domestic CUB (UK) Ltd - Non-domestic Drax - Non-domestic EDF - Domestic and Non-domestic ENGIE Power Limited - Non-domestic E.ON Next - Domestic Equiwatt - Domestic and Non-domestic ev.energy - Domestic Flexitricity - Non-domestic Grid Beyond - Non-domestic Gridimp - Non-domestic Hugo Energy App (via SMS) - Domestic
