Millions of Brits could be paid to only wash clothes at night over energy blackout fears
dailystar.co.ukpaid to only switch their washing machines on at night to avoid energy blackouts.While it remains "unlikely", experts claim that a shortage of gas could force UK families into going without electricity for up to three hours to protect energy supplies.According to the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), the worst-case scenario this winter will depend on how many gas power stations would be forced to shut down.READ MORE: Huge £900m cruise ship that holds 9,000 may be scrapped before ever setting sailAs it stands, however, energy demand and supply is expected to be sufficient to cover households across Britain over the next few months.
The ESO said: "In the unlikely event we were in this situation, it would mean that some customers could be without power for pre-defined periods during a day - generally this is assumed to be for three-hour blocks." To help avoid blackouts, families will be being encouraged to sign up to a new a scheme which will give them money back on their bills to use appliances outside of high demand times.For example, this could be using your washing machine or dishwasher at unsociable hours, or charging your electric car outside peak times.The newly launched service will work as an opt-in system for those with a smart energy meter.Households would receive a text message asking them to only use electricity when there is less demand - typically after 7pm.In exchange, they would receive a payment.Larger businesses will be paid for reducing demand, for example by shifting their times of energy use or switching to batteries or generators in peak times.The "demand flexibility service" will run from November to March.
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