People told to turn off TVs, lights, washing machines and heating at 5pm tonight
Homeowners are being told to turn their lights off at 5pm this evening - in a bid to cash in on their energy bills during the National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) event.
It means households across the UK can earn rewards and save by reducing their energy usage between 5-6pm tonight.
Small changes like bathing or showering later in the evening, prepping family meals in the afternoon and playing board games rather than watching TV during the DFS hours can make a significant difference to your bills.
Steve Buckley, Head of Data Science at Loop said: “People can earn rewards today by making small changes, such as opting to use their washing machine, dishwasher and other high energy appliances at earlier or later times in the day.
“It’s not only about reducing your usage, but also about changing when you use electricity away from peak times - so if your heating is electric, warm up your home ahead of the National Grid event, and save your cooking or laundry until afterwards.”
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You could save on your bills by turning some appliances off between 5 and 6pm tonight (Getty Images)“Loop’s Turn Down and Save scheme is free to join and there will still be the opportunity to earn worthwhile rewards - on average Loop users cut their energy bills by 15%, so there are real savings to be made.”
Ahead of the National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service scheme kicking off for a million UK households at 5pm this evening, energy expert Loop is sharing guidance on how to make the most out of the energy-saving scheme, and revealing how millions more could take part..
The scheme, which was introduced to avert blackouts, will have another event this evening aiming to reduce the demand on the National Grid during peak times. The scheme incentivises households to reduce or move their electricity usage out of peak hours, following a signal from the ESO.
While not all utilities companies are offering access to DFS schemes, any household with a smart meter can access the scheme via Loop ’s Turn Down and Save scheme which is part of the National Grid initiative – meaning an additional 12.9 million households could take part and earn rewards until the end of March, when the scheme ends.
In January’s events, Loop users save an average of £3.67 in one session, and reduced usage by more than 40%.
Watching TV during the DFS hours can make a significant difference to your bills (Getty Images)Steve Buckley said: “We encourage households to check if they are eligible for the scheme as there are still opportunities to earn rewards.
"People can earn rewards today by making small changes, such as opting to use their washing machine, dishwasher and other high energy appliances at different times to normal – we call this load shifting.
“Households should avoid using anything that creates heat - so minimise your use appliances like electric heating, electric oven and hob, air fryer, slow cooker, toaster, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, immersion heater, kettle and hair dryer etc. You should also avoid charging anything, most notably electric vehicles and keep as many lights off as possible until after the event.
“It’s not only about reducing your usage, but also about changing when you use electricity away from peak times - so if your heating is electric, warm up your home ahead of the National Grid event, and save your cooking or laundry until afterwards.”
“Whilst it’s too late to join tonight’s event, we would urge all households with a smart meter to sign up to Loop and participate in future Turn Down and Save events. It’s free to join and there will still be the opportunity to earn worthwhile rewards - on average Loop users cut their energy bills by 15%, so there are real savings to be made.”
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In November, the smart meter app, Loop launched its own Turn Down and Save scheme as part of the National Grid’s initiative.
Turn Down and Save rewards Loop customers for using less electricity this winter and could see a typical customer earn £1001. Those with higher average usage during peak times – for example larger households, or those with electric vehicle charging or electric heating – could earn more by shifting usage outside of peak hours.
By reducing load during peak times, fewer expensive electricity generators will be required over that period. Due to the Energy Price Guarantee, this will also provide savings to the Government. National Grid saves, Loop customers are rewarded and the Government spends less in support of the Energy Price Guarantee.
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