HOUSEHOLDS have just hours to apply for free electricity every week in January.
EDF’s Sunday Saver challenge is designed to reward households with free electricity if they move their use away from peak time.
You can maximise the reward by making simple changes, such as running your dishwasher in the morning, or batch cooking meals at the weekend.
The more electricity customers shift, the more free electricity they can earn the following Sunday, with between four and 16 hours on offer.
For example, moving 50% of your energy away from the peak hours of 4pm to 7pm could earn you up to 16 free hours of electricity to use the following Sunday.
But if you are keen to take part you need to act fast as the deadline closes tonight, Sunday, January 4 at 11:59pm.
The challenge will then start on Monday, January 5.
To join simply visit the Energy Hub in your MyAccount.
You also need to have a smart meter that provides half-hourly readings.
Adjusting your meter settings is quick and easy – simply log in to your EDF MyAccount at edfenergy.com/myaccount/login, go to the “About Me” section, select “Smart Meter Preferences,” and choose the half-hourly option.
Any free electricity credit you earn will automatically be added to your account to use the following Sunday.
Rich Hughes, director of retail at EDF, said: “January is a time when many people look for new ways to save after the festive period, so we’re delighted to resume our Sunday Saver challenge.
“Over 210,000 customers have been rewarded with free electricity as a result of adjusting their daily usage habits, reducing their carbon footprint and taking steps to contribute to a more sustainable electricity grid.”
It comes as energy bills are set to rise to £1,758 a year for millions of households at the start of the new year as part of Ofgem’s new price cap.
Between January and March, the typical annual dual fuel bill will rise by £3 to £1,758 – up from the current £1,755 cap that came in from October.
This equates to an average monthly increase of around 28p.
The new price cap will come into force on January 1, and will affect households on standard variable tariffs.
If you are keen to pick up these gadgets you will have to act quickly, as it is a limited edition item; once it’s gone, it’s gone.
What do other energy suppliers offer?
Several energy suppliers reward customers with discounts or credit when they change the way they use gas or electricity.
These schemes could be vital for households this winter after the energy price cap increased this week.
Ovo Energy
Ovo Energy offers customers the chance to win free energy if they reduce their energy consumption during peak times.
Power Move gives customers the chance to win up to £2,000 of free energy.
For every month your peak energy usage is less than 15% you will be entered into a prize draw.
Ten lucky customers win the top prize of £2,000 of energy to use over one year, with 500 winning £25 prizes, 500 bagging £10 prizes and 43,000 landing £2 of free energy.
To sign up visit ovoenergy.com/power-move.
Scottish Power
Scottish Power’s Power Saver scheme offers customers the chance to access half-price electricity between 11am and 4pm every weekend.
To be eligible you need to register to become a Power Saver by visiting scottishpower.co.uk/half-price-electricity.
You will also need a smart meter.
Scottish Power occasionally also launches ad-hoc Power Saver events during the week.
British Gas
British Gas also offers half price energy between 11am and 4pm every Sunday as part of its PeakSave scheme.
Demand for energy is typically lower on Sundays, so the supplier is able to offer cheaper electricity when there’s less pressure on the National Grid.
To sign up visit britishgas.co.uk/energy/peak-save/sunday.html.
You must have a smart meter.
Octopus
Octopus Energy customers who are signed up for “Octoplus” can take part in free electricity sessions when wholesale prices fall below zero.
The sessions last an hour and during this time the electricity you’d normally use costs the same but any extra power you use is free.
All customers who have signed up receive an alert the day before each session.
When the session begins, they can ramp up their electricity usage – whether it’s charging gadgets, running the washing machine or dishwasher.
Any extra electricity they use beyond their normal usage is then credited back to their account.
What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
