Households across Britain could soon enjoy free or significantly discounted electricity simply by running appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during sunny weekends, thanks to a newly approved energy scheme.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has updated its Demand Flexibility Service with approval from industry regulator Ofgem. The program now allows energy providers to encourage customers to increase electricity consumption during periods of excess supply—particularly when sunny weather boosts solar generation while overall demand remains low.
"The complexity of operating the system at low demand is increasing, and we may need to use more of our tools, and use them more often, than in previous summers," NESO stated.
Electricity demand typically drops during warmer summer months when days are longer and heating needs decrease, while solar power generation reaches its peak. This creates surplus electricity that would otherwise go to waste.
Under the updated scheme, NESO will notify participating energy companies about specific time windows when they want to boost consumption. Providers who successfully increase demand during these periods receive payments, which they can then pass along to customers through various incentives.
Rewards could include:
- Free or cheaper electricity during designated times
- Points redeemable for gift cards
- Other customer benefits determined by individual providers
The program is available to households with smart meters whose energy suppliers have joined the initiative. Early participants include British Gas, Equiwatt, and Octopus Energy.
Interestingly, incentives may vary by geographic location. Customers in one region might be encouraged to increase usage, while those in another area could receive benefits for reducing consumption during the same period.
This development comes as renewable energy continues to grow in Britain. Last year saw record electricity generation from renewables, with solar power increasing by nearly a third compared to 2024 levels. Approximately 250,000 new small-scale solar installations were reported in what was also the UK's sunniest year on record.
While renewable energy now supplies at least half of Britain's electricity on about one-third of days, the grid still relies on fossil fuel gas to balance intermittent renewable generation. National Gas officials have indicated sufficient supply for the summer, primarily from UK and Norwegian sources.
The scheme represents a shift from previous demand flexibility programs that primarily focused on reducing consumption during peak hours. Now, energy providers have a new tool to prevent surplus renewable power from being wasted while giving consumers tangible benefits for timing their electricity use strategically.