Martin Lewis talked about a “feel good” energy scheme where people are paid to reduce their use during certain times of the day.
The Demand Flexibility Service involves households with smart meters minimizing their electricity use during peak hours, with payments offered depending on how much energy a person saves.
There will be at least six test events for the scheme to save £3 per kilowatt hour payments, with plans for 12 test events in total.
Mr. Lewis said on his BBC podcast this week: “They pioneered it last year and it’s back this year. The aim is to balance supply and peak demand to reduce the need to burn fossil fuels. [power] plants.
“To do it, you need a smart meter and it needs to be set to take a 30-minute reading, but if you have a smart meter, most of them will be able to do that.”
Mr Lewis said he surveyed 3,000 people who used the service last winter, and almost eight in ten said they had a good experience and would recommend it.
Speaking about how much someone could be paid through the scheme, he said: “It’s a positive thing to do, even though the amount of money you get isn’t huge. Most people received between £5 and £20, 16 per cent. of people received over £20, only three per cent of people received over £50.
“This is not about huge money but people said they enjoyed the process and felt good knowing they were doing something good for the environment and trying to help the energy supply protection throughout the country.
“The most common things people cut back on are simply using their oven and washing machine and tumble dryer outside of peak time, which is around 4pm to 8pm. normal.”
Here are the third party providers and apps taking part in the scheme:
- Axle Energy
- British gas
- Chameleon Technology (as Ivie)
- Easee UK (via Axle Energy)
- EDF
- E.ON Next Energy
- Equiwatt
- GivEnergy Software (via Axle Energy)
- Good Energy
- 100 Green (via SMS – Solo Energy)
- Hildebrand Technology
- Hugo Energy App (via SMS – Solo Energy)
- Loop (via SMS – Solo Energy)
- Octopus Energy
- Ohme (via Axle Energy)
- OVO Energy
- Perse Technology
- Power Rewards App (via Orange Power)
- Scottish Power (via Equiwatt)
- SMS (Single Energy)
- Retail Shell Energy via SMS (Solo Energy)
- Uswitch Ltd (via Hildebrand)
- Utilita Energy.
How do I participate in the Demand Flexibility Service?
Energy suppliers are contacting customers to invite them to participate. If a person has not received an invitation, they can contact their provider directly to sign up.
Providers not taking part this year may have their own version of the scheme where a household is paid to reduce their use during peak hours.
People can receive the payments in different ways, for example by paying in cash or in points, discounts or prizes.
For the latest personal finance news, follow us on Twitter at @ExpressMoney_.
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