Smart meter energy saving app Loop means Britons can save £200 a week

Smart meter energy saving app Loop means Britons can save £200 a week (Image: Getty) Loop has launched its  Summer Turn Down and Save  scheme to reward users for cutting their energy use when the carbon intensity of the National Grid is at its highest. The scheme will run between July and September and offer 10 events each lasting an hour, during which Loop users will be encouraged to reduce their energy consumption. The more energy they save compared to normal, the more entries they’ll receive into a £200 prize draw after each event. There will be an additional sum of £2,000 to be won at the end of the scheme in Loop’s overall ‘Carbon Hero’ prize draw, taking the total to be won throughout up to a sizeable £4,000. Dr Steve Buckley, head of product and data science at Loop, commented: ‘Our new Summer Turn Down and Save scheme empowers users to make a tangible, positive impact on the planet while giving them a chance to win some exciting prizes.’ Loop’s Summer Turn Down and Save scheme encourages users to reassess their energy consumption habits (Image: Getty) Dr Buckley said that many households are still facing the challenges of the cost of living crisis and despite the recently-lowered energy price cap, energy prices remain high and with a lack of cheap deals available, the ‘only way’ to lower energy bills is to ‘use less’. He added: ‘By encouraging energy conservation, we aim to help Loop users use less energy, develop positive efficiency habits and reduce their bills. With this initiative, we’re not only fostering a sustainable future but also providing practical support to our community.’ The scheme is open to anyone with a smart meter. To take part, households simply need to  download the free Loop app . Once their account is active they’ll receive an invite to join the scheme. For each event, there’s £200 to be won and how many entries a household receives depends on how much they reduce their energy compared to their baseline usage. For example, one entry will be received if they reduce usage by up to 10 percent, while five entries will be received if usage is reduced by over 40 percent. The winner of the £2,000 prize draw will be decided based on how many entries a person receives throughout the energy-saving events. One entry into this draw will be awarded for each entry they receive during 10 individual events, meaning the more energy saved, the more chance of winning the overall prize. People will be informed by Loop that there will be an event in the evening before it via email. There’s no need to opt-in and after it’s ended, Loop will share how the household did and everyone who reduces consumption will be entered into the prize draw. Dr Buckley said the scheme aims to encourage people to reassess their energy consumption habits, save money, and make a big positive carbon impact. Households may discover appliances that have been inadvertently left switched on, such as extra fridges, or uncover the running costs associated with frequently used items like halogen spotlights. Dr Buckley suggested people turn everything off and then check their smart meter’s in-home display to see how much electricity is still being used. He added: ‘With wasted energy typically contributing to around 30 percent of the average energy bill, implementing these efficiency changes beyond the events can result in substantial savings.’ The launch follows the success of Loop’s Turn Down and Save scheme last winter, where users were paid to use less during peak times. According to Loop, over 20,000 customers participated and well over £100,000 paid out.