Officials have issued details about a scheme that could reward households for doing things like using a washing machine
Households will be urged to do their laundry, charge electric vehicles and even ramp up appliance usage at weekends as part of a significant overhaul of Britain’s energy system. In a move that highlights the increasing impact of wind and solar power, families could be offered cheap – or even free – electricity during periods when the grid has an excess supply.
Additionally, there will be incentives to reduce consumption during peak times to help balance power demand. These proposals have been unveiled amid rising concerns about anticipated increases in energy bills this winter due to the fallout from the Middle East crisis.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has confirmed this change, stating that consumers will now be rewarded not only for reducing usage, but also for using more power at optimal times. This represents a substantial expansion of the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS), a programme already utilised by millions to earn money by cutting back on consumption during peak hours.
In a statement, NESO said: “Big changes are coming to our Demand Flexibility Service. For the first time users can take part by increasing or reducing their electricity usage at certain times.
“That means more opportunities to be rewarded for strategic electricity use!”
How the scheme operates
The DFS was initially launched to alleviate strain on the grid during high-demand periods – typically weekday evenings when households are cooking, heating homes and using appliances.
Under the scheme, energy suppliers have encouraged customers to participate in events where they are compensated or rewarded for reducing usage during peak times.
In practice, this has involved:
- Switching off tumble dryers or postponing washing cycles
- Avoiding using the oven during peak hours
- Moving electricity use to later in the evening
Customers who participate have been offered bill credits, cash payments or reward points – sometimes saving several quid per event. More than 2.46 million households and businesses have registered since its inception, according to NESO.
What’s changing now
For the first time, the scheme will also reward Brits for increasing electricity use when there is an excess supply – particularly from renewable sources.
This typically occurs:
- On blustery days when turbines generate large amounts of power
- During sunny periods with high solar output
- Often at weekends, when overall demand is lower
- Instead of switching off, households may now be urged to:
- Operate washing machines or dishwashers
- Charge electric vehicles
- Use energy-intensive appliances
The goal is to absorb surplus electricity that would otherwise be wasted.
Rebecca Beresford, Director of Markets at NESO, said: “There are certain times when the GB system is fortunate to have plentiful supplies of low carbon electricity. Enabling consumers to benefit by increasing their electricity use at those times is a critical step to making demand side flexibility work for consumers and the system.”
Why it matters
This move signifies a fundamental change in the operation of Britain’s power system. Historically, electricity supply was adjusted to meet demand. Now, with renewables playing a larger role, demand is increasingly being moulded to match supply.
This results in:
- Less pressure on the grid during peak times
- Improved utilisation of renewable energy
- Potential reductions in bills for households willing to be flexible
The revised scheme will also be more accessible, with the participation threshold reduced from 1MW to 0.1MW, enabling smaller firms and providers to participate more easily.
What it means for your bills
For consumers, the most significant change is the likelihood of more frequent periods of cheap or free electricity.
Energy companies are expected to introduce:
- Limited-time offers of free power
- Significantly discounted rates during surplus periods
- Ongoing cash incentives for reducing usage at peak times
In essence, households could be paid both to use less and use more electricity – depending on what the grid requires.
The expansion is part of a broader initiative to create a more flexible, low-carbon energy system, where consumers play an active role in balancing supply and demand. For those paying the bills, it presents a straightforward trade-off: adjust when you use energy – and reap the rewards.
