British Gas PeakSave is a special program that helps customers save money and
reduce their carbon footprint. It encourages smarter electricity usage
during peak times. This program is part of the demand flexibility service backed by the National Grid ESO. This
service helps balance the need for electricity with its supply in a sustainable way. Let’s check how PeakSave
works, the benefits it
provides, and how you can use it well.
What Is British Gas PeakSave?
PeakSave is a program by British Gas. It rewards customers who use electricity during off-peak hours. This
allows people to save money by using less energy when demand is high. It also helps ease the load
on the electricity grid. Customers can enjoy lower bills too. This program is part of a national effort to use
more renewable electricity and reduce the use of fossil fuels in the energy system.
What Are PeakSave Green Flex Events?
PeakSave Green Flex events are times when British Gas encourages customers to use less electricity. This occurs
during busy peak hours. Customers who join in can earn rewards. These events usually take place when the demand
for electricity is high.
For example, last winter, many people used a lot of electricity during cold evenings. By reducing their usage
during these events, customers also support the greater use of low-carbon electricity.
How Does PeakSave
Compare to a Standard Variable Tariff?
A standard variable tariff charges customers the same rate for electricity, regardless of the time of day. On the
other hand, PeakSave offers discounts for using electricity during off-peak times. Customers can save a significant
amount by adjusting when they use appliances like the tumble dryer or heat water. Doing these tasks when
electricity rates are lower can really impact their bills.
Check if you're paying too much.
Compare your current tariff with the cheapest energy deals available in your area – it only takes a few minutes.
To join PeakSave, you need to have a smart meter. Smart meter readings let British Gas see how much
electricity you use in real-time. This helps them give rewards to customers who use less electricity
during peak hours. The information
also helps figure out reward payments and makes sure your bill is correct.
What Are Peak Electricity Hours?
Peak electricity hours are often between 4 PM and 7 PM. During these hours, homes use the most power. Several
activities raise electricity use peaks. For example, cooking dinner, using hot water, and watching TV all
contribute to this high demand.
PeakSave encourages flexible energy use. It recommends doing these activities at times when electricity demand is
lower.
Aspect
Peak Hours
Off-Peak Hours
Electricity Unit Rate
Higher tariff unit rate
Discounted rate
Electricity Usage
High demand
Less demand
Activities
Cooking, heating, TV usage
Laundry, EV charging
Carbon Emissions
Higher (due to fossil fuels)
Lower (greater use of renewables)
Grid Impact
Strain on electricity grid
Stabilisation of grid
Renewable Energy Use
Limited
Lots of renewable electricity
Customer Savings
None
Potential savings on electricity bill
Reward Payments
Not applicable
Eligible for rewards during PeakSave events
This table looks at key facts about electricity use during peak hours and off-peak hours. It shows the advantages
of doing tasks when there is less demand for electricity. These advantages are lower costs, more use of
renewable energy,
and less carbon emissions.
Why Is Flexible Demand Important?
Flexible demand is key to keeping the electricity grid stable. This is crucial during uncertain times or when
there is much renewable energy available. PeakSave helps lower the need for power stations that depend on fossil
fuels. This support results
in a greener energy supply and reduces carbon emissions.
What Are the Benefits of PeakSave?
Lower Electricity Bills
Customers can lower their electricity bills by using cheaper rates during off-peak hours. For example, doing laundry or
charging an electric vehicle
at night can save a lot of money. These tasks can cost only half the normal rate during PeakSave Green Flex
events.
Reward Payments
Customers who take part in PeakSave Green Flex events can earn rewards. These rewards are credited to the
customer’s gas or electricity account. They can help reduce the final bill.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Using electricity when renewable energy is plentiful helps lower carbon emissions. Last winter, PeakSave demonstrated that it
can cut our country’s
reliance on fossil fuels.
Greater Use of Renewable Energy
PeakSave boosts the use of renewable electricity. It matches energy use with sunnier weather conditions or when the
wind is strong. This helps reduce
the need for energy storage and uses renewable energy sources better.
Check if you're paying too much.
Compare your current tariff with the cheapest energy deals available in your area – it only takes a few minutes.
British Gas measures the success of PeakSave by checking the number of units of electricity saved. They also see
how much strain is taken off the electricity grid. To do this, they work with National Grid ESO. Together, they
track how much electricity,
in MWh, customers save during each PeakSave event.
What Was the
Outcome of the First Flexible Energy Trial?
The first flexible energy trial happened last year, following the success of PeakSave Winter. It gave good
results. Customers who joined used less electricity during peak times. This helped build a greener energy system.
They also earned rewards for
what they did. This trial paves the way for PeakSave to reach more households.
How Can You Participate in PeakSave?
Do You Need a Smart Meter?
Yes, a smart meter is important for joining PeakSave. It shows your electricity usage in real-time. This helps
British Gas calculate your rewards correctly. If you don’t have a smart meter, British Gas will install one for
you at no cost.
How Do You Sign Up?
You can sign up for PeakSave with your British Gas online account. Once you register, you will get updates about
PeakSave Green Flex events. You will also receive tips on saving electricity during peak times.
How Can You Save Energy at Home?
Shift Activities to Off-Peak Hours
Use your tumble dryer, dishwasher, or washing machine at night or early in the morning.
These simple changes can help you to save a lot on your electricity bill.
Reduce Heat Loss
Insulate your home to stop heat loss. This will help you save on heating during peak times. When your home is
well-insulated, your energy bill can be lower as time goes on.
Shorten Shower Time
Using hot water uses a lot of electrical power. If you reduce how long you spend in the shower,
you can save money on both your electricity and water bills.
Use Solar Panels
If you have solar panels, make the most of sunny days to create your own renewable electricity. This allows you
to rely less on the grid. It also helps PeakSave promote greener energy.
Monitor Your Electricity Usage
Check your electricity meter readings regularly. This helps you see how much energy you are using.
Smart meter readings show you when you use the most energy.
With this knowledge, you can change your habits to save energy better.
Check if you're paying too much.
Compare your current tariff with the cheapest energy deals available in your area – it only takes a few minutes.
The PeakSave Green Flex plan helps you save money. It gives discounts and rewards for using less
electricity during busy hours, called peak times. This program is from British Gas. It aims to add more
renewable energy to the electricity grid.
How Do Reward Payments Work?
Reward payments depend on the amount of electricity you save during PeakSave events. These payments will go
into your British Gas account. They can help reduce the daily standing charge on your final bill.
Can I Participate Without a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is important to track your electricity usage as it happens. It helps to calculate your
rewards accurately. Smart meter readings ensure that your electricity account reflects your actual usage.
When Are PeakSave Events Held?
PeakSave events usually occur when electricity use is very high. This is common in the early evenings
during winter. These events are planned to align with times when the electricity grid has less demand. They
often make use of lots of renewable electricity.
What Are the Benefits of Flexible Energy Use?
Flexible energy use helps reduce stress on the electricity grid. It can also help lower your electricity
bill. Plus, it encourages a greener energy system. This is achieved by relying more on renewable electricity
and low carbon electricity sources.
How Is the Success of PeakSave Measured?
PeakSave is successful because it saves a lot of MWh of electricity during events. This also reduces the
need for power stations. It aligns with the energy saving trust guidelines for a fair energy system.
Does PeakSave Impact the Tariff Unit Rate?
Yes, PeakSave offers a cheaper rate for electricity used during off-peak hours. This helps people to make
small changes to how they use electricity. These small changes can result in big savings over time.
Can New Suppliers Offer Similar Programmes?
British Gas is a leading company in flexible energy use. New suppliers can set up similar programs. This
can benefit the national grid and promote greener energy practices.
How Does Weather Affect PeakSave?
Sunnier weather and strong winds often help create a lot of renewable electricity. This makes PeakSave
events more effective at reducing carbon emissions.
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