Will You Be Paid Not To Use Your Electricity?
According to reports, energy users will likely be able to get paid not to use electricity this winter.
The National Grid looks like it will offer households £3 per kilowatt hour ( instead of the initially planned 52p) if they avoid activities that use up high amounts of electricity, such as cooking or using the washing machine, when demand is high during peak hours.
Peak electricity times are in the evenings, between 5 pm and 8 pm, when many people may be cooking or watching TV. With the evenings becoming darker earlier, using lights earlier than in the summer puts added pressure on the electricity suppliers.
The scheme, drawn up by National Grid ESO, is aimed at the expected pressure on the power grids this winter, after concerns about power cuts and blackouts, due to demand outstripping supply, partly down to the war in Ukraine.
Under the scheme, you would be paid to not use your higher energy-usage appliances during the times when more significant numbers of people are using power, with the idea being you would run your appliances, such as dishwasher and washing machines, overnight, when power usage is far lower, and the energy providers won't be under as much pressure.
It's hoped that the scheme may mean that households may be able to save between £100 and £150 a year by participating in the scheme, and businesses may be able to save far more by being more selective about when they use the most power.
The scheme will only be available to households using smart meters.
It's unknown which suppliers will allow their customers to be a part of the scheme, as your energy provider will need to register for the scheme with the National Grid. Currently, it looks like Octopus and OVO are going to be taking part, and time will tell if the other big energy companies follow suit, but it's looking very likely!