UK households to be paid to use washing machines at night in blackout warning

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Households across the UK could be paid to use electricity outside of peak hours amid warnings of winter blackouts. The new scheme will see those who opt in receive money back on their electricity bills so long as they use appliances such as washing machines outside of high demand times.

This scheme is being set up to help avoid blackouts as National Grid warns that three-hour power cuts may be implemented to protect energy supplies.

The body that oversees Britain’s electricity grid have said that this is "unlikely", but have admitted that it could be a "challenging" winter following the Russian invasion of Ukraine - which has contributed to soaring energy prices.The National Grid Electricity System Operator said: "In the unlikely event we were in this situation, it would mean that some customers could be without power for pre-defined periods during a day - generally this is assumed to be for three-hour blocks."Families will be being encouraged to sign up to a new the scheme which will give them money back on their bills for energy saving measures such as using a washing machine or dishwasher at unsociable hours, or charging your electric car outside peak times.The newly launched service will work as an opt-in system for those with a smart energy meter.

Households would receive a text message asking them to only use electricity when there is less demand - typically after 7pm.In exchange, they would receive a payment.