Exact date millions can get PAID to reduce energy usage this winter – how to sign up for the National Grid Scheme
MILLIONS of households will get paid to reduce their energy usage again this winter.
The exact date the National Grid's "Demand Flexibility Service" (DFS) is returning this year has been revealed.
The scheme was launched last winter in a bid to prevent potential blackouts and ease pressure on the UK's energy network.
Now, the National Grid’s Electricity System Operator (ESO), a subsidiary of the operator, has confirmed that the scheme will be starting again on October 30.
Under the service, households who use less electricity than they normally do during certain allotted hours are paid for the savings.
Last year around 1.6million households and businesses were paid a total of just under £11million for taking part.
READ MORE IN MONEY
Homes and businesses across Great Britain will again be able to earn pounds, points or prizes across the period by shifting their energy usage outside of allotted periods.
The ESO said it will be looking to run 12 test events where households can make the savings.
There could also still be additional "live" events, if the Grid decides that the country needs to reduce usage.
The Grid has said blackouts are less likely this winter.
Most read in Money
It will be kicking off the tests in November with further details set to be announced in due course.
The return of the scheme was first announced in September but was pending Ofgem approval.
The regulator has now granted approval.
Claire Dykta, head of markets at the ESO, said: "The ESO is delighted that Ofgem has formally approved the return of our Demand Flexibility Service this winter.
"Households and businesses across Great Britain can now benefit from actively participating in helping balance the network during tight winter periods and be incentivised to do so."
Ms Dykta added that last year's scheme saw millions of consumers and businesses actively participating.
Customers and businesses will be able to sign up to participate in this year’s DFS.
You will only be able to take part in the service if you have a smart meter though - and your supplier will need to have signed up to the scheme.
Participating households could be paid to put on their dishwashers or charge their electric cars during off-peak hours.
Those looking to cash in from possible events are encouraged to turn expensive appliances off rather than sit in the dark.
This is because you won't make as much of a saving by just switching your lights off.
And households must have signed up through their supplier, otherwise, they won't be able to take part.
Last year, the DFS was originally trialled with Octopus Energy, and other suppliers then joined, these included British Gas, EDF, E.On, Ovo Energy, and Shell Energy.
A list of this years registered service providers will be published on the ESO website soon, and then updated throughout the winter.
Each energy provider will have its own eligibility criteria to take part in the scheme though.
The amount you get will depend on what your supplier offers, and not every firm will participate.
We have contacted major suppliers to ask if they were be taking part in this year's DFS.
National Grid will pay at least £3 for every kilowatt-hour they save during six of the 12 tests.
The cash is paid to the suppliers, which will likely retain a percentage to cover administrative costs and make a profit.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Meanwhile, this is the full list of firms that took part in the DFS last year.
Plus, we've rounded up everything you need to know about last winter's scheme to give you an idea of what to expect.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.