UK households issued one-week warning to avoid missing out on free electricity | Personal Finance | Finance
Britons have just one week left to claim 25 hours of free electrity in November. Comparison site Uswitch launched the offer in what it said was a bid to soften the blow of the energy price cap rise at the start of the month.
Typical households England, Scotland and Wales were warned they’ll see energy bills rise by around £2.93 a month from the start of October as the new autumn price cap came into effect. The cap, which will be in place until December 31, has been raised by 2%. However, there are ways to mitigate the impact, including Uswitch’s popular scheme.
But those wishing to benefit from the offer will have to get a move on as the deadline for opting in is looming. Anyone with a smart meter can take part, no matter who their supplier is.
Simply download the free Uswitch app, connect your smart meter and sign up to join the scheme.
The chance to opt in closes midnight next Friday (October 31) meaning Britons have just over a week left to benefit.
Once signed up, Britons will be notified each week in November with a reminder to pick their five-hour free electricity time slot for the upcoming weekend.
You can choose from:
- Saturday morning
- Saturday afternoon
- Sunday morning
- Sunday afternoon
When each five-hour off-peak time slot has concluded, the firm calculates how much electricity has been used. The money is then added into the “Earn” tab within the app and when the last free-electricity period has past, the earnings can be withdrawn into a bank account of your choice.
Uswitch encourages customers to do their weekly laundry and other tasks that require elevated amounts of energyduring the free sessions to maximise their savings lessen the strain on the energy grid throughout the week.
Uswitch says households using the tumble dryer 15 times during the free slots could get £11.94 back, and those scheduling 20 ten-minute showers in the free sessions could use electricity worth £6.59.
Taking part also won’t stop households from joining any free electricity schemes their provider offers. You can get further earnings through the price comparison service’s Reduce and Earn sessions (part of the Demand Flexibility Service).
Natalie Mathie, energy expert of Uswitch.com says customers need to “act now” to avoid missing out.
“If households move all of their energy-intensive tasks for the week into the free sessions, this will not only earn them money, but also help reduce strain on the grid throughout the week, and make our overall energy usage greener as a result,” she said.
“By piling up your week’s laundry and keeping the washing machine and tumble dryer working through each five-hour session, you’ll be able to earn back the cost of your electricity.
“Thousands of homes have already opted in to claim free electricity, as it doesn’t matter who your energy provider is. Everyone is welcome to the offer, you just need a compatible smart meter.
“For 25 years, Uswitch has been helping households save over £2.7bn on their bills by fighting for fairer prices on energy, broadband and mobile bills. This free electricity offer is yet another way we’re helping to put cash back in your pocket this winter.”