Could you get free electricity this summer?

Households could be rewarded for running appliances like dishwashers and washing machines when there’s a surplus of power available.

During the summer months, more electricity can be generated than is actually needed, because people need less energy for heating, days are longer and sunnier and solar panels produce more power.

So instead of letting the extra energy go to waste, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) wants to give households an incentive to use it.

What’s the plan?

Many energy companies currently offer cheaper rates to people who use power outside peak times.

But NESO has updated its Demand Flexibility Service - a scheme that works with energy suppliers - to take this a step further.

So under the system, suppliers would encourage customers to use more electricity when supply is high and reward people for shifting their usage to those times.

Rewards could include letting people who use power at certain times get it for free or at a discounted rate, or giving them gain points that can be converted into gift cards.

The scheme will be open to households who are with a supplier that have signed up to it and have a smart meter.

“This could mean running household appliances or charging electric vehicles when there is excess electricity available,” NESO said.

“This makes better use of clean electricity already being generated, while allowing participants to benefit directly from their flexibility.”

Are there other ways to cut my energy bill?

If you’re struggling to keep up with the cost of gas and electricity, there are a few steps you can take right now.

Speak to your energy supplier

Get in touch with your supplier straight away if you’re starting to fall behind with payments and worried about how to pay your next bill.

They might be able to offer:

• grants
• payment plans
• advice on managing your account

It could also be worth joining the Priority Services Register for extra support.

Try to save energy

Small steps such as turning down your thermostat by one degree, not overfilling the kettle and bleeding your radiators could help you cut your energy usage - and in turn, bring your bills down.

We’ve put together a list of 50 smart energy-saving tips to help you get started.

Get clarity on your bills

Our free household bills calculator can show you how your monthly costs might change, so you’re not caught off guard.

Manage your household budget

Gas and electricity are just some of the costs that come with running a household.

So it’s well worth creating a budget, so you can see how much money you have coming in each month and prioritise your spending.

You can then be confident that you’re able to cover these vital expenses, as well as work out what you can afford to spend on non-essentials and put into savings.

Get started with our budget planner - it’s free and easy to use.

Check what support you can get

You might be eligible for financial support from the government, so use our benefits calculator to find out what you can claim.