Brits could be paid to turn off washing machines during peak hours

Millions of Brits could be paid to turn off high-energy appliances such as washing machines during peak hours to reduce the risk of blackouts this winter.

According to The Sunday Times, the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) is preparing plans to reward consumers for easing the strain on the power grid during peak times. 

They are said to be discussing rebates as high as £6 per kWh for households who minimise their use of appliances such as tumble dryers, dishwashers and games consoles during the peak hours of 5pm-8pm. 

This will only apply to households with smart meters. 

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The ESO will reportedly apply to Ofgem for approval, with hopes the scheme will open by late October.

A National Grid ESO spokesman said: “We are developing a new service that will be available for consumers to benefit from across this winter and will be announcing further information soon.”

The government is said to be drawing up plans to for its ‘worst-case-scenario’ – which will see Brits endure organised blackouts – in response to below-average temperatures and reduced electricity imports from Norway and France. 

Though in a statement, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said the scenario is ‘not something we expect to happen’, adding: “Households, businesses and industry can be confident they will get the electricity and gas they need.”

Peter Barr / Wikimedia Commons

This comes after worrying new figures from Cornwall Insight this month forecasted that the average household will be paying over £4,200 for their annual energy bills from January 2023.

Experts at the Auxilione consultancy even warned that energy prices could spike at as much as £6,000 per year for the average household from next April.

Ofgem will announce the change to the cap for October and December this Friday, August 26th.