Households could get free electricity for doing washing on sunny weekends
Providers can encourage people to use energy when "weather conditions result in excess supply".
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The changes made to the DFS scheme mean customers can benefit from using more energy when renewables are high, reducing the amount of wind and solar that need to be turned off."
— Octopus Energy , Executive
"not only reward consumers and businesses for flexible electricity use but also strengthen the resilience and efficiency of Great Britain’s electricity network."
— Dr Deborah Petterson , Academic
"will still take a long time for prices to return to normal and the full impact of the crisis on the cost of living could be felt until 2027/28 at least."
— Graeme Downie , Politician
"The changes made to the DFS scheme mean customers can benefit from using more energy when renewables are high, reducing the amount of wind and solar that need to be turned off."
— Octopus Energy , Executive
Key People
A leading energy provider in the UK.
Dr Deborah Petterson is Neso’s director of resilience and emergency management.
Graeme Downie is a Labour MP who sits on the energy select committee.
Greg Jackson is the head of Octopus Energy.
A company responsible for energy supply in the UK.
A prominent energy supplier known for renewable services.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
Providers can encourage people to use energy when "weather conditions result in excess supply".
The National Energy System Operator (Neso) is introducing a scheme to reward consumers who increase their electricity use during periods of excess supply, such as sunny weekends, by offering free or discounted electricity for household chores like washing.
The National Energy System Operator (Neso) has announced a new scheme encouraging people to increase their electricity use during periods of excess supply, such as weekends, by offering free or discounted electricity for running appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
Households and businesses could receive free or discounted electricity from their energy company for running appliances during periods of excess supply, such as sunny weekends, as part of a new scheme by the National Energy System Operator (Neso).
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Trump announces deal for Russian diesel as Zelensky calls it a gift to Putin
Ukraine's president sharply criticised the move, calling it an "investment in war that must be ended, not prolonged".
October 10, 2026 at 12:45 AM'People don't think recycling at work is part of their job description'
Unclear labelling as well as a lack of recycling facilities at work or in public-facing businesses is an issue.
October 9, 2026 at 07:11 PMTrump envoy kept financial ties to firm behind $15 billion Hormuz-bypass oil pipeline plan - Reuters
Trump envoy kept financial ties to firm behind $15 billion Hormuz-bypass oil pipeline plan Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 11:40 AMExplainer: Data centers' 'flexible' power usage could save the grid billions. Can they scale? - Reuters
Explainer: Data centers' 'flexible' power usage could save the grid billions. Can they scale? Reuters
October 8, 2026 at 04:19 PMEXCLUSIVE: US, Russia explore gas sale to Europe amid Ukraine war, say sources - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: US, Russia explore gas sale to Europe amid Ukraine war, say sources Reuters
October 8, 2026 at 05:04 AMEXCLUSIVE: Apollo submits non-binding bid for German energy firm Uniper, sources say - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: Apollo submits non-binding bid for German energy firm Uniper, sources say Reuters
October 7, 2026 at 11:41 AM