Brits offered free electricity at weekends - check when you could save
Households could get free electricity on sunny weekends under a new scheme to use up excess renewable energy
Households across Britain could soon be offered free electricity at weekends as part of a new scheme designed to manage surging renewable energy supplies. The initiative, led by National Energy System Operator, will reward people for using more power during periods when the grid is at risk of being overwhelmed by excess solar and wind generation.
The scheme is expected to be rolled out from Tuesday and will primarily apply during sunny and windy weekends and bank holidays, when renewable energy output is high but overall demand is low.
Under the plan, households could be incentivised to run appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers or charge electric vehicles at specific times, potentially receiving free electricity for doing so.
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Officials said the move is aimed at tackling a growing imbalance in the energy system. As more renewable energy is produced, particularly from solar panels and wind farms, there are increasing periods when supply outstrips demand. Last year, managing this surplus cost nearly £1.5 billion, as operators were forced to pay wind and solar farms to switch off and rely instead on gas-powered plants to stabilise the grid.
The new approach forms part of the “demand flexibility service”, which encourages consumers to shift their electricity usage to times when it is most needed.
However, not all households will benefit at the same time. Offers of free electricity are likely to vary depending on location, as grid constraints and the distribution of renewable energy sources mean some areas experience surplus power more frequently than others.
To take part, households will need a smart meter so their energy usage can be tracked during eligible periods. The scheme builds on earlier efforts to manage demand, when more than two million households signed up to reduce their electricity use during peak times following the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Now, the focus has shifted to increasing demand when renewable generation is high. The system operator warned that the rapid growth of rooftop solar panels and local renewable generation could push national electricity demand to record lows this summer, increasing the complexity of balancing the grid.
In some cases, operators may even need to issue warnings for power stations to switch off to prevent overload.
Despite the challenges, officials say the scheme offers a practical way for households to save money while supporting the transition to cleaner energy.
Consumers are being encouraged to check with their energy suppliers to see if they are eligible and when free electricity periods may be available.
