Get paid for turning off your oven TONIGHT: What you could earn for switching ... trends now The Demand Flexibility Scheme (DFS) offers cash for reducing electricity use By Sean Poulter Consumer Affairs Editor and Summer Goodkind Published: 08:35 GMT, 29 November 2023 | Updated: 11:38 GMT, 29 November 2023 21 shares 669 Viewcomments Concerns for electricity supplies will see households paid rebates on their energy bill if they cut their use this evening. This is the first time this winter that the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) will be used to manage the nation’s energy use. The DFS works by paying households to cut use by turning off washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, TVs and even lights during the evening peak. National Grid ESO insisted that while the gap between electricity demand and supply will be ‘tight’, there is no risk of blackouts. As many as one million took part in the scheme last winter, but there was some disappointment with the rebates on offer - which added up to less than £3-£4 on average. Households will be paid cash rebates on their energy bills this evening to cut their electricity use in a bid to ease demand This is the first time this winter that the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) will be used to manage the nation's energy use National Grid ESO said: ‘Our forecasts show electricity supply margins are expected to be tighter than normal on Wednesday evening. We are activating a Live Demand Flexibility Service event between 5pm-6.30pm. ‘It does not mean electricity supplies are at risk and people should not be worried. These are precautionary measures to maintain the buffer of spare capacity we need.’ The cold weather and lack of wind is expected to contribute to higher power demand, but National Grid ESO said deploying the scheme was based on a 'combination of factors'. National Grid ESO said the amount of energy saved through the scheme last winter was enough to power almost 10million homes. The scheme aims to save energy without resorting to drastic actions such as blackouts. In general, participants are asked to cut their energy by 30 per cent compared with normal peak usage, for a cash reward. Washing machines are among the most power-hungry appliances in your home. People are set to be given rebates if they cut back on their energy-use during peak times this winter The National Grid launched its DFS in January and rewarded people for cutting power between 5pm and 6pm on one of the coldest days of the year. Households were told they could receive payments of up to £20 if they didn't use ovens, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, games consoles or decide not to charge cars during the hour. But the scheme relies on users having a smart meter, a device that automatically transmits your energy usage to your provider every 30 minutes. There have been many complaints about the devices, ranging from them logging inaccurate readings that lead to inflated bills to stopping working altogether. Some customers were also left frustrated at receiving far less than they hoped, only being credited with pennies off their bills - though some £11m was paid out across 1.6million homes and businesses. Share or comment on this article: Get paid for turning off your oven TONIGHT: What you could get paid for switching off appliances from your toaster to your kettle - as households are told they can earn cash rebates for first time this winter All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility