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Households and businesses in Britain could soon benefit from free or cheaper electricity if they use their appliances during times when there is too much electricity, such as on sunny weekends. This idea is part of a plan to make better use of extra electricity that is produced when the weather is good, especially from solar panels. Energy companies already have programs that give customers lower prices if they use electricity during off-peak hours, like late at night. This is called the Demand Flexibility Scheme, and it is run by the National Energy System Operator, or NESO. Starting this week, the scheme will also reward people for using more electricity when there is an oversupply, not just for using less during busy times.

The change was approved by Ofgem, the energy regulator, last month. NESO says this update will help keep the electricity system strong during the summer and stop extra power from being wasted. In the summer, people use less electricity because it is warmer and the days are longer, but solar panels make more electricity because there is more sunlight. NESO’s research shows that low demand is often caused by the weather, and more people are using small, local generators like rooftop solar panels. This means there are more times when there is extra electricity. Last year, renewable energy made up a big part of Britain’s electricity, with wind being the largest source. Solar power also grew by almost a third compared to the year before, and there were about 250,000 new rooftop solar panels installed.

With the updated scheme, customers who have smart meters and whose energy suppliers are taking part can get rewards for using appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, or charging electric cars when there is a lot of green energy and not many people are using electricity, such as on weekends or Bank Holidays. NESO will tell energy companies when they want the scheme to run, and the companies will decide how to reward their customers. The rewards could be free or cheaper electricity at certain times, or points that can be turned into gift cards. The scheme can be different in different areas, so some people might be asked to use more electricity while others are asked to use less. Companies like British Gas, Equiwatt, and Octopus Energy are already part of the scheme. British Gas also has a program called PeakSave, which gives customers half-price electricity on Sunday afternoons when there is extra renewable energy. NESO says that managing the electricity system is getting more complicated when demand is low, so they might need to use these kinds of programs more often. Sometimes, they even have to ask power stations to make less electricity to keep the system safe. Even though more electricity is coming from renewables, Britain still uses gas power stations to help when wind and solar power are not enough. National Gas says there will be enough gas for the summer, mostly from the UK and Norway. This new plan is meant to help people save money, use more green energy, and make sure the electricity system works well for everyone.