British Gas has confirmed a new scheme where it will pay customers to run washing machines at night in a move that it hopes will reduce electricity use between peak hours.
The new scheme will see households get money off their bills for using appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and ovens during off peak hours.
Final details of the scheme are yet to be released however it is expected customers will need to opt into the scheme to be eligible and will then be asked to reduce their electricity use by around 30% between peak hours of the day, most likely between 4pm and 7pm.
Only customers with a smart meter are expected to be able to sign up as the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) needs half-hourly data from households to run the scheme.
Writing in The Guardian Fintan Slye, director of the ESO, said: “Businesses and homes can become virtual power plants and, crucially, get paid like one too.
“For a consumer that could mean a typical household could save approximately £100, and industrial and commercial businesses with larger energy usage could save multiples of this.
“We are working with Ofgem to get this scheme launched in November and for it to be rolled out through energy suppliers. If you are interested in participating or understanding what you could get paid, please contact your energy supplier.”
