Ovo joins scheme to pay customers to cut their energy usage
The National Grid Electricity System Operator launched the scheme earlier this month and has engaged in trials with customers.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Energy firm Ovo has joined a scheme which could see its customers paid to reduce their electricity use at key times.
The National Grid Electricity System Operator launched the scheme earlier this month and has engaged in trials with customers.
On Monday, it indicated it could trigger the first live run of its Demand Flexibility Service, which pays households to reduce their electricity use and lower the strain on the grid but swiftly cancelled the plans.
The service has been tested twice in recent weeks, and some households earned more than £4 for taking part over the course of an hour.
Ovo will now become the largest energy supplier to link up to the scheme, following the likes of Octopus who have already joined.
We know that winter is going to be a challenging time for many, so relieving that pressure where we can, and supporting our customers has never been more important
Ovo said its customers could earn up to £100 as it is set to use the system at times between December 8 and March 31 next year. The scheme is only available to customers with smart meters.
Initially, the scheme is open to 15,000 Ovo customers, with this figure planned to increase after the first month, it said.
Raman Bhatia, chief executive officer of OVO, said: “We’re pleased to be joining the National Grid Electricity System Operator’s Demand Flexibility Scheme and launching another trial which rewards customers for their efforts in making small but significant changes to the way they consume energy.
“We know that winter is going to be a challenging time for many, so relieving that pressure where we can, and supporting our customers has never been more important.”