Millions of households could earn rewards if they change their energy usage habits for up to 90 minutes this evening.
Billpayers who have signed up for a participating supplier’s Demand Flexibility Service scheme could earn points, pounds or prizes if they reduce their energy use during a designated period tonight.
The National Grid ESO has announced there will be a second Demand Flexibility Service live event this week, taking place between 4.30pm and 6pm this evening.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, yesterday, it said: “Our forecasts show electricity supply margins are expected to be tighter than normal on Friday evening. We are activating a Live Demand Flexibility Service event between 16:30-18.00 tomorrow.
Eligible participants could save money on their energy bills by running the dishwasher and other appliances outside of the live event
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“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.”
Octopus Energy, E.ON Next, EDF and British Gas are among the suppliers to have signed up to the Demand Flexibility Service.
Octopus Energy this week said one million customers have already signed up to shift electricity usage from peak times and earn rewards.
The energy supplier launched Saving Sessions as part of the Demand Flexibility Service, marking the UK’s first nationwide household demand flexibility initiative.
Octopus Energy issued a Savings Sessions alert about tonight’s live event yesterday.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Octopus Energy’s Saving Sessions directed eligible customers to opt in online or via the Octoplus section of the app.
The alert explained customers could earn “a massive” 3,200 Octopoints, worth £4, per kWh saved versus normal usage.
The minimum session reward is 100 Octopoints and customers could also be in with a chance of winning 888,888 Octopoints, worth £1,111.
Alex Schoch, Head of Flexibility at Octopus Energy, said: “Saving Sessions is back with a bang this winter and our customers are clamouring for more.
“We’re incredibly proud of the passion Octopus customers put into ‘Saving Sessions’, and even more excited to be able to offer more ways for customers to earn through ‘Surprise Sessions’ this year.
“Over one million Octopus Energy customers will now contribute to cost savings in the system and accelerate our transition to a clean, fossil-fuel-free grid by reducing electricity consumption during peak hours.”
British Gas also issued an alert on social media, encouraging people to “delay the dishes” until after the event tonight.
The energy supplier’s version of the Demand Flexibility Service scheme is known as PeakSave Winter, with more than 400,000 customers already saving thanks to the scheme.
British Gas said if eligible customers use less electricity during the event tonight, they could earn £5 per kWH saved.
