Yahoo Finance UK households to be paid to reduce energy use during peak times to avoid blackouts
People could be paid for turning off high-energy appliances during peak times this winter.
The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) is understood to be preparing to announce plans to reward consumers for easing the strain on the power grid.
Those with smart meters could get up to £6 per kilowatt hour (kWh) saved as energy prices rise with strained supply and the expectation the National Grid (NG.L) could come under pressure.
Read more: Energy bills will cost more than £100 a week by April, experts warn
Rebates for not using appliances like tumble dryers, dishwashers and electronics between 5pm and 8pm would net customers a return.
One kWh is enough energy to power a dishwasher for less than an hour, or use an electric shower for six minutes.
The Sunday Times, which first reported the plans, said the National Grid will apply to the regulator Ofgem for approval, with hopes the scheme will open by late October.
A National Grid ESO spokesman said: “We are developing a new service that will be available for consumers to benefit from across this winter and will be announcing further information soon.”
Read more: 45 million Britons to be pushed into fuel poverty by January, study warns
The plans follow a trial with Octopus Energy customers earlier this year, when as little as 20p was paid for every kWh, or kilowatt hour, saved. A range of prices have since been considered, including up to £6.
Currently at £1,971 for the average household, the energy price cap is forecast to rise to £3,500 in October, before going as high as £4,200 in January.
Experts at energy consultancy Auxilione have warned that energy prices could spike at as much as £6,000 per year for the average household from next April.
Ofgem will announce the change to the cap for October and December on Friday.
It comes as the cost to UK households of bailing out nationalised energy retailer Bulb was revealed to be heading towards more than £4bn by spring. This means every home risks an additional £150 or more on its bills next year, the FT reported.
