Exact time today you need to cut your electricity use to get paid

Eligible customers are being offered cash to reduce their electricity use between 4.30pm and 6pm today. The event is part of the National Grid’s Live Demand Flexibility Service that aims to:

• balance supply and demand
• reduce the need to fire up fossil-fuel plants
• avoid power cuts

Am I eligible to take part?

The exact details of each supplier’s scheme may vary. But, regardless of who you’re with, to take part you must:

• have a working smart meter
• opt in to each event separately

Check your supplier’s website for more information.

Alternatively, you may be able to download a third party app to your phone to take part. These apps connect to your smart meter, get the money from the National Grid, and pass some or all of it on to you. Find details of every provider (energy suppliers and third-party apps) taking part.

How much will I get paid?

This will depend on:

• how much the National Grid pays providers - it’s currently at least £3 per unit saved but this could change in the future
• how much of that saving providers choose to pass onto users – most are passing on at least 75% and some are passing on the full amount
• the number of events taking place and the number you take part in – the number of events held will depend on the weather, pressure on the grid, supply issues etc.

Utilita has said it expects users to earn £31.75 on average this winter, with EDF suggesting you could earn as much as £100.

Figures from Money Saving Expert have shown that 59% who took part in last winter’s scheme earned between £5 and £20. Just 16% earned more than £20.

What if I’m on a prepayment meter?

If you’re with Good Energy, Scottish Power or Utilita and you have a prepayment electricity meter, you’ll be able to take part through your supplier’s scheme.

If you’re with any other supplier, you won’t be able to take part through their scheme but you may be able to sign up to a third-party app that will let you take part, regardless of your supplier.

What can I do to reduce my electricity use?

• Don’t use your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher during an energy-saving event.
• Rearrange when you do certain activities, e.g. cooking or vacuuming, to before or after the event.
• If you must use appliances during the event, opt for the most energy efficient ones e.g. use your microwave instead of your oven.