Energy company to give customers 'free electricity' once a week

a man on the phone about a bill
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EDF, an energy company, is offering its customers free electricity once a week as part of a new initiative called the Sunday Saver challenge. The scheme rewards customers who reduce their energy consumption during peak weekday hours.

The company explained that a customer who reduces their electricity usage by 10% during the peak hours of 4pm to 7pm on weekdays would receive four free hours of electricity on a Sunday in return. EDF stated that these challenges would occur monthly, commencing on the first Monday of each month.

The more electricity customers save, the more 'free' electricity they can earn. A 10% reduction in peak consumption equates to four hours of free electricity, a 20% reduction earns eight hours, 30% earns 12 hours and using 40% less results in 16 hours of free electricity on a Sunday.

This initiative follows a trial of the 'Sunday Saver', where 98% of participants earned at least four hours or more of free electricity on Sundays at least once, according to EDF. Among those who participated in every challenge, 88% earned 16 hours or more of free electricity in at least one month, with participants collectively accumulating a total of 39,624 free hours over the last five months.

EDF highlighted that their research indicated strong backing from trial scheme participants, with 98% reportedly making a deliberate effort to lower their energy usage during peak times. The respondents shared the simplest measures they'd taken to alter their consumption, including staggering the use of washing machines or tumble dryers (51%), refraining from using dishwashers (39%) and changing cooking times (22%), reports the Manchester Evening News.

Moreover, 68% of those involved acknowledged that the trial increased their awareness about the impact of energy usage on their carbon footprint. Derbyshire residents Michael and Julie Parker have accumulated an impressive 192 free hours for Sundays throughout the trial's duration.

Mr Parker said: "We've found the Sunday Saver challenge trial really simple we've managed to reduce our electricity by ensuring we don't do any clothes washing, use the dishwasher or charge a car between 4pm and 7pm. With the free hours we've earned on Sundays, it's been great to do as much as possible such as washing and charging things around the house. We would definitely take part again."

Rich Hughes, the director of retail at EDF, said: "Our Sunday Saver trial has already helped customers to earn free electricity, whilst also shifting their electricity usage away from peak times, reducing pressure on our energy grid. With energy prices increasing and winter on the horizon, we're excited to now be able to launch this to smart meter customers, enabling more people to do the things they love on a Sunday for free, saving them cash on their bills and reducing their carbon footprint."

EDF offered some insight into how households could shift their electricity use during the week:

  • Put the dishwasher on at night or breakfast time instead

  • Avoid using the washing machine and tumble dryer

  • Unplug devices and chargers and use battery power instead

  • Put aside gaming consoles and try something new as a family

  • Batch cook at the weekend to save energy and time – just reheat during the week

  • Charge electric car outside of peak times

Customers who wish to participate need to have an operational smart meter and sign up for half-hourly meter reads. EDF will inform them through WhatsApp or SMS whether they have earned free electricity or they can monitor their progress via EDF's exclusive Energy Hub platform, which is accessible through MyAccount online. The Energy Hub also allows for a personalised view of energy consumption.

According to EDF, interaction with the Energy Hub can lead to noticeably lower utility bills, with potential savings of up to £41 annually and the added benefit of cutting carbon emissions. Customers eager to learn more about the Sunday Saver challenge can register their details to receive notification when enrollment for the upcoming challenge begins.