British Gas PeakSave: A New Way to Manage Electricity Usage

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.

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How Does PeakSave Work?

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.

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.

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How Does British Gas Measure Success?

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.

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FAQs About British Gas Peak Save