National Grid offering incentives for households to cut energy usage across the UK during peak hours

A new energy rebate being launched this month will provide households across England, Scotland and Wales, the option to receive financial rewards for using power in off-peak settings.

A new trial, available to homes with smart meters, will pay credits to offset bills this winter, which could amount to £100 in savings for those that sign up to the scheme.

With Scotland facing a difficult winter, and high energy costs, the new scheme by the National Grid could provide some additional relief. This will be on top of the energy price cap and government support to tackle rising bills.

Following the impact of skyrocketing gas prices, the UK along with other European countries, has been affected but the wholesale cost increase of energy. With an estimated 40% of all power generation in the UK originating from power plants that use gas as a fuel source, there remain significant challenges to bring energy costs down.

In Scotland, the winter is more acutely felt as its average temperate is the lowest for the UK as a whole. This means that Scottish residents in particular are more affected by wholesale energy fluctuations. With more Kilowatt hours needed to heat the average home in comparison to England and Wales, additional support is welcome.

People that sign up to the scheme through a number of approved energy suppliers will be asked to use high energy intensive appliances such as washing machines later at night. This in turn will mean that homes can benefit from a rebate on their usage in these hours, effectively giving them a real-terms discount in their energy bill.

With many UK residents feeling the pressure of energy costs, and higher food prices, the government’s support will be crucial for especially vulnerable households and pensioners that could be at risk of being unable to pay their bills.

Have you been negatively affected by rising energy costs?