The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has introduced a new initiative to offer households and businesses free or cheaper electricity for running appliances during periods of excess supply, particularly on sunny weekends. This scheme aims to avoid wasting surplus renewable energy and ensure grid resilience over the summer.
Key Takeaways
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is launching a scheme to offer free or cheaper electricity for running appliances during periods of excess supply, such as sunny weekends. This initiative aims to avoid wasting surplus renewable energy and ensure grid resilience over the summer.
- NESO's updated Demand Flexibility Service encourages increased appliance use during low-demand periods
- Households with smart meters can participate in the scheme offered by suppliers like British Gas and Octopus Energy
- The UK expects sufficient gas supply for the summer despite global market volatility
According to BBC, NESO's updated Demand Flexibility Service was approved by Ofgem at the end of March. It encourages customers to increase their electricity use when weather conditions result in excess supply, such as on weekends or Bank Holidays. Households with smart meters can participate in the scheme offered by suppliers like British Gas, Equiwatt, and Octopus Energy.
The initiative comes amid a record year for renewable energy production in Great Britain. As reported by BBC, 2025 was the UK's sunniest year on record, with about 250,000 new rooftop solar panel installations. The updated scheme will enable customers to be rewarded for running appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers when more green energy is being generated and demand is low.
Rewards will vary and could include free or cheaper electricity at certain times, or points that could be converted into gift cards. Companies that have signed up to the scheme so far include British Gas, Equiwatt, and Octopus Energy. The initiative aims to ensure grid resilience over the summer when electricity demand is typically lower.
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