Energy firm is paying customers to use oven and washing machine at night

22 August 2023 , 10:33

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OVO is rolling out its Power Move scheme nationwide (Image: Getty Images)

OVO is rolling out a scheme that pays customers to switch their energy use to outside of peak hours.

The energy firm is expanding its Power Move scheme so it will be available nationwide, following a successful trial. OVO says customers could earn £10 a month for reducing their energy consumption to 12.5% of their daily usage between 4pm and 7pm.

This could mean using your washing machine or oven outside of these hours. OVO estimates households currently use a fifth (19%) of their daily total usage during peak times.

During the successful trial period last winter, OVO paid customers just under £150,000. It estimates it could pay out £15million collectively each month now the scheme is being expanded.

To take part in the scheme, you need to have a smart meter and manually sign up through your OVO account. The Power Move challenges and rewards will be adjusted each season, based on the time of year and average consumption rates, to maximise rewards for customers.

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Power Move is separate to the "Demand Flexibility Service" which was launched by the National Grid throughout winter to help preserve gas supplies. Natalie Harris, 52, from Bristol, took part in the initial OVO trial and made £80.

She said: “This meant I was able to treat myself when I did my weekly shop. I’ve tried to keep up the good habits I made, for example I’m more conscious of when I run the washing machine and I try not to put the oven on during peak hours. I would definitely sign up to Power Move again because I like to do my bit for the planet and the savings are a lot of money for me.”

Mat Moakes, Chief Commercial Officer, OVO, said: “Changing what time of day you put the washing machine on might seem small, but our Power Move trials showed these small acts can make a massive impact. That’s why we’re paying customers to move their energy use out of peak times, to times of day when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing. This is all part of our commitment to help make our customers’ homes, as well as the energy system, greener.”

Levi Winchester