Households could be paid £100 to do their washing at night in a bid to avoid blackouts this winter, it's been announced.
It has been set up to prevent blackouts this winter, after The National Grid Electricity System Operator said Britain could in a worst-case scenario face three-hour planned powers cuts. ESO say the average household could save around £100 - however, you'll need a smart meter to be able to take part, reports The Mirror.
The scheme is set to be tested over the coming days and there will be 12 test days for each supplier who signs up, which will be for a one hour period between the hours of 4pm and 7pm. Customers may be asked to cut their energy usage over a longer perioud if the scheme is rolled out beyond the test days.
“It will help mitigate the potential risks that the ESO has outlined in its Winter Outlook and will allow consumers to see a financial return for reducing their electricity use at peak times. As a responsible operator of the electricity system we have developed this innovative Demand Flexibility Service to compliment the robust set of tools we already use to balance the electricity system every day.