 said Brits could face three-hour planned power cuts if there is a shortage of gas. This was the worst-case scenario presented in a report last month - and system operators insist it is 'unlikely' we'll run out of power. But the prospect of blackouts has led several energy companies to draw up compensation schemes for this winter. Some are launched under the umbrella of Ofgem's official Demand Flexibility Service, but many energy firms have unveiled their own schemes. The ESO says taking part could save the typical household £100 this winter - but you need to have a smart meter to take part. The idea is using power at times of less demand can save you money ( PA) Octopus Energy: Octopus Energy, which piloted the ESO scheme earlier this year, was the first supplier to officially sign up to the new initiative. It expects to pay customers £4 on average during peak times between November and March through its Saving Sessions service. Octopus says households could save £100 in total over winter, based on their electricity use being reduced by 1kWh once or twice a week, up to around 25 times. The money will be paid as "OctoPoints" which you'll be able to redeem to your energy account as credit in pounds. More than 1,000 Barclays customers to get £1million payout for PPI breaches British Gas: British Gas households will have to reduce their electricity use by around 30% between 4pm and 7pm to get any sort of money back. These figures are su){kind=link}
There are now five energy providers offering up to £100 this winter for customers who use power at times of low demand, and it’s all to help avoid any chance of blackouts
There are now five energy firms that are paying customers up to £100 just for using power at off-peak times.
These energy suppliers are rewarding households for not using power at times of peak demand.
The scheme is being set up to prevent blackouts this winter, after the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) said Brits could face three-hour planned power cuts if there is a shortage of gas.
This was the worst-case scenario presented in a report last month – and system operators insist it is “unlikely” we’ll run out of power.