Thanks to plans to get the UK using more renewable energy and reduce stress on our power network, there are a series of ways you get free and discounted energy
You can now be paid by your energy supplier if you use appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher more at the weekend or when the sun’s out.
It sounds slightly mad but if you use these during off-peak hours, such as the weekend and overnight, and successfully cut your electricity usage during the peak hours of week days and early evenings, your energy provider can reward you with money off your bills and discounts.
There are several different schemes in place to reward households for changing their electricity habits, and many energy providers have set up their own schemes too. Here’s everything you need to know.
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How do free electricity schemes work?
Free energy schemes work if households reduce their electricity use during on-peak periods, which are usually between 4 and 7pm during the week. This is usually done by using appliances that use a lot of electricity, such as dishwashers, washing machines, or tumble dryers, in off-peak periods.
The on and off-peak periods will be set by the scheme you’re signed up to, and your energy use will be monitored, via your smart meter, during these periods. You can also earn free electricity by using your appliances when it’s an especially sunny day and there’s an excess of green energy available.
If you successfully change your electricity habits, you’ll be rewarded, with money off your bill, free energy hours, or you may be able to choose a different type of reward or a discount.
What are the different free energy schemes?
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) launched the Demand Flexibility Service in 2022. It was initially created to lower demand on the UK’s power networks, by encouraging households to reduce their electricity usage during the hours when the system was at its busiest (usually early evening during the week).
It arranges set times when households can sign up to reduce their energy use. Energy providers who are signed up to the Demand Flexibility Service are paid a set amount of money for each unit of electricity saved, and this is then passed onto their customers.
Initially the scheme was only available over the winter months, when demand is higher on the national grid, but it now runs throughout the year.
On especially sunny days, for example, when the UK is creating high amounts of solar energy and using less electricity from the grid, households are being encouraged to use their electrical appliances. Periods where surplus electricity is being created are becoming more common, and last year a record amount of electricity was created in the UK.
If households sign up to one of these schemes, they will be rewarded if they change the way they use electricity. You can sign up via an energy provider, if they offer this service, or via a third-party provider, such as Uswitch.
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Why are people being given free energy?
Energy providers aren’t just handing out cash to be nice, they’re doing it as a national incentive to balance the use of electricity across the UK.
Following the start of the war in Ukraine, there were worries that the UK national grid was coming under strain during peak hours. To avoid this (even though power cuts were the worst-case scenario), the scheme was launched to reduce demand on the grid at these times.
Energy providers who sign up are then paid when their customers reduce the energy they use during peak hours and this is the money which is passed onto you, if you sign up.
What’s happening with energy prices?
Energy prices shot up in 2022 following the Ukraine war but since then have been falling, and the latest price cap from Ofgem saw average household energy bills at £1,641 a year.
However, following the war in Iran, worldwide energy prices have risen and price hikes have again been predicted. Experts in the energy industry have said typical bills may rise by around £200 in July, when the next price cap comes in, as a result of the recent conflict.
In light of this news, a promise of free energy sounds very appealing however, while you can earn money for changing your energy usage – it’s likely to be pounds rather than hundreds of pounds you could earn.
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How can I earn free energy?
To sign up to one of these schemes, and to start earning free energy, you will need to have a smart meter.
You’ll also need to opt in to the scheme – you may only need to do this once if it’s through your energy supplier – but always check as it may be the case you need to opt in for specific periods.
To sign up to a specific energy provider’s scheme, you’ll usually need to be an existing customer. Specific sessions where you can earn rewards for changing your energy use also depend on where you are in the country, so not everyone may be able to sign up at the same time.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll be told the days and times when you will need to lower your energy usage. During these times the amount of electricity you use will need to be lower (if not you won’t earn any rewards).
Which energy providers are offering free energy?
The majority of the main energy providers in the UK are offering schemes to customers and some third-party companies are also offering similar schemes. It’s worth checking if the scheme you sign up to is linked to NESO as you can’t sign up for more than one if so.
British Gas
If you register for PeakSave Sundays, the price you pay for energy will be reduced by 50% between 11am and 4pm on Sundays.
You can also sign up for the PeakSave Green Flex which gives you 50% off electricity if you use it during sunny periods. Once you’ve registered you’ll be alerted to upcoming events and you’ll need to opt in to take part.
EDF
The Sunday Saver challenge gives you up to 16 hours of free electricity to use per month on a Sunday, if you can shift your electricity use away from peak hours. You will need to sign up every month to take part.
Equiwatt
If you sign up to free Equiwatt app, and use less electricity during specific sessions, you will be paid in points which can be transferred into gift vouchers. You will need to opt into each session.
Octopus Energy
Use more energy when it’s a sunny day and less at peak times with the provider’s Saving Sessions and you could be rewarded with credit on your future energy bills. You will need to sign up to each session, and an email will be sent if you’re eligible.
Ovo
If you reduce your electricity use during peak hours with the Power Move, you will be entered into a prize draw each month and coil win up to £2,000 off your energy bill if you’re picked. You’ll need to sign up to Ovo Beyond to take part.
Members of Ovo’s free loyalty programme can also benefit from two hours of free electricity a week, until August 2nd. You will have to choose the free hours and any electricity you use will be paid back to you the following month.
Scottish Power
You can get half-price electricity at selected times with Scottish Power’s scheme. It applies to a unit of electricity, used between 11am and 4pm at the weekend. You’ll have to sign up to these Power Saver sessions, and you can do this via an invite email if you’re eligible.
Uswitch
There are two options from Uswitch under its Power Hours scheme. The Reduce and Earn lets you earn money if you reduce your electricity usage during specific sessions. You’ll have to sign up to each of these and opt in.
There’s also a free electricity scheme from Uswitch which offers free electricity when there’s an excess of solar energy. You’ll be told in advance when these sessions will happen and you’ll need to opt in. If you are eligible for the rewards, you’ll earn credit into your Uswitch account which can be withdrawn to a bank account.
