• [Hull Daily Mail Icon]
• News
• Cost Of Living
• Your Money

Thousands of UK households to be given 100 Amazon vouchers just for using less energy

Energy firm Equiwatt are offering a new reward for those who miss out on the National Grid scheme

[Equiwatt have introduced their own scheme rewarding people for not using energy during peak times]

View Image

Equiwatt have introduced their own scheme rewarding people for not using energy during peak times(Image: Getty Images)

Many Brits across the country will be able to get 100 vouchers for Amazon and John Lewis just for using less energy during peak times through the winter months.

National Grid introduced a scheme where five energy companies can offer 100 in discounts for those using their energy during off peak times, which is normally between 4pm and 7pm, however many homes can't take advantage of the offer, The Mirror reports.

The new scheme by Equiwatt is now offering a different reward for those unable to sign up for the scheme by National Grid, where households can redeem vouchers on big brands such as Amazon, John Lewis and many more.

Read More: Martin Lewis urges people to check if they are eligible for benefits with 7 million missing out

But many energy companies are limiting how many people can sign up. However, energy management firm Equiwatt is offering a helping hand to those missing out.

Households can earn rewards through the free Equiwatt app, which connects to smart meters and smart plugs, alerting consumers to reduce their energy use. The National Grid energy saving scheme - called the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) - allows households who have either been selected by their energy supplier, or who have a smart meter and half-hourly readings to save up to 100 over this winter.

Equiwatt are offering the same 100 in potential savings with no limit to the number of households applying.

How it works

The Equiwatt app will link to smart technologies in your home, like smart meters, smart plugs or smart chargers.

Then, it sends notifications for you to take part in energy saving events at peak times by turning off or avoiding the use of appliances anything from fridge freezers to washing machines and electric vehicle (EV) charging.

These events, known as equivents last for up to one hour. You'll be rewarded for the energy and CO2 savings you make with points that can be redeemed for vouchers on Amazon, John Lewis and other big brands.

Customers can earn up to 400 points in an hour, per event, for cutting down their energy use. One point equals 1p, so 400 points adds up to 4 per equivent.

If you can't see the poll below, click here

Equiwatt's scheme will give households more than 300 opportunities to save peak energy all year round, not just for winter. Johnson Fernandes, CEO of Equiwatt said: National Grids demand flexibility service is a great initiative that offers a way for consumers to access incentives for saving energy at peak times of demand, while also helping to reduce strain on the grid.

"But many consumers will miss out on those energy savings and the financial rewards that come with them, as they either are not invited to a supplier scheme or dont have a smart meter.

"Were delighted that, through our app, we can offer a greater number of households the opportunity to reduce their energy usage and be rewarded financially this winter.

Equiwatt customer Rachel said: Energy bills are going up and up and up, but our energy usage was reduced compared to last year and I really think thats greatly because of using equiwatt.

We started paying more attention to what energy we were using during equivents and beyond. We actually saved money on our energy bills even though the cost of each energy unit had gone up."

Read next:

• People with any of these 70 conditions will get 156 a week from DWP
• Gemma Oaten says 'sleepless nights' over money trouble saw her claiming Universal Credit
• Inspirational Hull mum who lost two children determined to help others
• Millions of UK households to get water bill discounts - check if you're one of them
• Martin Lewis shares Christmas shopping haggling tips as he urges people to ditch the 'lust list'

[Hull Daily Mail Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Hull Live as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.