Would you change the time you put the dishwasher on to save cash?

With British Gas customers getting half-price electricity for two hours today, it’s a great time to check whether your energy supplier offers similar savings.

Many of the UK’s major providers now run discount schemes that reward customers for using electricity at specific times, usually when renewable energy is abundant and demand is low. These deals don’t just reduce your bills, they’re also better for the planet.

Here’s how to get involved, no matter who you’re with.

British Gas: PeakSave & Green Flex events

Today’s event (Friday, July 4) gives PeakSave customers 50% off electricity between 1.30-3:30pm.

• You’ll need a smart meter and to be registered for the PeakSave scheme.
• British Gas also runs half-price electricity every Sunday from 11am-4pm. No sign-up needed if you’re already on PeakSave.

📍 How to benefit: Use high-energy appliances like your washing machine during these windows to cut costs.

Octopus Energy: Saving Sessions

Octopus offers ‘Saving Sessions’, where customers are paid in credits for using less electricity during peak demand.

• Runs during National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service events.
• You’ll get a notification and can opt in on a session-by-session basis.
• Participants earn OctoPoints, which can be converted into cash, prizes or donated to charity.

📍 How to benefit: Use as little electricity as possible while the events are running.

EDF: Sunday Saver Challenge

EDF encourages customers to shift their energy use to weekends with their Sunday Saver Challenge.

• Use less power Monday-Friday and more on Sunday to earn rewards.
• Some customers can unlock up to four days of free electricity per month.

📍 How to benefit: Distract yourself from the Sunday scaries with chores like vacuuming and laundry.

OVO Energy: Power Move

OVO’s Power Move rewards customers who shift their electricity use to off-peak times (like during the day on weekends).

Use less electricity during the evening peak (4-7pm) and get entered into a prize draw, with the top prize being £2,000 of free energy.

📍 How to benefit: Adjusting your dinner or device-charging routine could win you big.

ScottishPower: Power Saver Scheme

ScottishPower has its own Power Saver scheme offering half-price electricity during selected weekend hours.

Customers also get chances to win energy bill discounts through monthly prize draws.

📍 How to benefit: Keep an eye out for emails or app alerts announcing the time slots.

Change up your routine to lower your bill

With more suppliers offering flexible pricing and energy-saving rewards, it may be worth checking what your provider is doing and signing up if you haven’t already.

Even if you don’t fancy switching, just being smart about when you use electricity can have a noticeable impact on your bill.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Log in to your energy supplier account or contact customer services to find out what discount schemes are available to you. A small change in your routine could lead to a big difference in your budget.