Featured Image Credit: ITV/ Kathrin Ziegler/Getty Images
Topics: Money, Home, Martin Lewis
Kya Buller
Another day, another opportunity for Martin Lewis to save the day - and this time it's all about our washing machines.
A modern-day hero among the relentless cost-of-living crisis, Lewis - also known as the Money Saving Expert - is urging people to avoid using their washing machines and other appliances that use a lot of energy at certain times of day in order to reduce the risk of power outages.
This is something worth bearing in mind as summer prepares to pass us by.
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Lewis says that peak periods for the National Grid lead to a surge in electricity demands across the country and an increased risk of power cuts - something absolutely none of us want.
During a segment of ITV's This Morning, Lewis shared his pearls of wisdom.
He urged people not to just press the 'ON' switch of energy appliances as part of an every day routine.
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This is because the peak times for using energy take place between 4pm and 7pm - adding that it's a great idea to shake things up and lower your usage during this timeframe.
He said: "There are emergency scenarios where power cuts in different regions are possible that have been put forward by National Grid.
"If we can avoid using lots of energy between 4pm and 7pm and it makes no difference to our lives, then we should all be somewhat conscious of that, whether or not it’s cheaper, because it will collectively help us all."
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In order to aid in the reduction of energy use during these hours, the National Grid has launched its demand flexibility service which has been in place since Winter 2022, that offers discounts to those who sign up to the scheme and agree to use less energy during peak times.
This incentive will still be available in winter this year.
People who sign up will require a smart metre, and the perks are endless - saving energy and money by delaying use of the oven, washing machine, dryer and charging devices during peak times.
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It's always good to give your routine a shakeup, isn't it?
As of August 2023, more than a million homes and businesses had signed up for the scheme, which was helped along by the support of 26 energy suppliers.
When it comes to the financial aspect, National Grid says it's a possibility that you can save up to £30 depending on how much energy is saved.
In January last year, it was reported that the National Grid paid supporting suppliers between £3 and £6 for every kilowatt hour of energy saved during peak times.
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Definitely something to bear in mind this year!