EDF Energy is handing customers ‘free energy’ this Sunday as part of a new challenge to get people to reduce their peak time usage and has suggested not using the tumble dryer or dishwasher on Monday to Friday.
Customers are being asked to cut down on using electricity in peak hours, usually 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.
As a reward, EDF will then give customers free energy on Sundays, when demand tends to be lower.
The more electricity customers reduce at peak times, the more free energy they can earn.
A 10 percent reduction in energy use at peak time would earn four hours of free electricity, while a 20 percent reduction earns eight hours and 40 percent reduction makes 16 hours free on a Sunday.
EDF says the scheme is being put in place after a trial which showed that 98 percent of customers managed to earn at least four hours’ free energy at least once each.
It said: “Research conducted by EDF has shown strong support from trial participants of the schemes, with 98% of those surveyed making a conscious effort to reduce their energy usage during peak times.
“Participants have said that the easiest ways they have been shifting their consumption are by using the washing machine or tumble dryer at different times (51%), not using the dishwasher (39%), and moving their cooking time (22%).
“68% of the group also said that the trial helped them understand more about the relationship between their usage and their carbon footprint.
Michael and Julie Parker from Derbyshire have earned a total of 192 free hours on Sundays over the course of the trial. Mr Parker said: “We’ve found the Sunday Saver challenge trial really simple – we’ve managed to reduce our electricity by ensuring we don’t do any clothes washing, use the dishwasher or charge a car between 4–7pm.
“With the free hours we’ve earned on Sundays, it’s been great to do as much as possible such as washing and charging things around the house. We would definitely take part again.”
Rich Hughes, Director of Retail at EDF said: “Our Sunday Saver trial has already helped customers to earn free electricity, whilst also shifting their electricity usage away from peak times, reducing pressure on our energy grid.”
“With energy prices increasing and winter on the horizon, we’re excited to now be able to launch this to smart meter customers, enabling more people to do the things they love on a Sunday for free, saving them cash on their bills and reducing their carbon footprint.”
