EDF scheme helps thousands of customers save up to £228 on energy bills this winter | Personal Finance | Finance

Smart meter customers have been making extra energy bill savings this winter through EDF’s ‘Beat the Peak’ scheme.

So far, more than 139,000 households have taken part in this year’s scheme, with customers who have participated in all nine events earning £12.56 on average.

However, according to the energy provider, the top 20 percent of those have seen earnings jump to £30.40 on average, the top five percent £51.80, and additionally, the top earner has achieved £228.

More than 11,000 prepayment customers have also participated in the scheme. Those involved in all events have earned an average of £12.03, with more than £46,000 paid out to prepayment meter customers so far this winter.

In addition to enjoying the financial benefits, EDF customers have made an environmental impact by saving 23 tonnes of carbon. According to the firm, this is equivalent to avoiding the use of energy during peak times, which is akin to driving 57,500 miles in a petrol car.

Now in its second year, ‘Beat the Peak’ offers eligible customers the chance to earn credit on their account for reducing their electricity usage during the events organised by National Grid ESO during peak hours.

Using smart meter data, EDF then compares how much electricity customers have reduced and credits their accounts.

According to EDF, a “few small changes can quickly add up”, for example:

• Showering outside peak times could earn between £5.24 and £7.88
• Putting the washing machine on later could earn between £3.00 and £7.20
• Delaying tumble drying could earn customers between £3.38 and £5.63.

Philippe Commaret, managing director for customers at EDF commented: “At EDF we are committed to helping our customers identify the best ways to save cash and carbon in their homes.

“With ‘Beat the Peak’ many of our smart meter customers are seeing the benefit of reducing their energy usage during peak hours to earn themselves a credit on their bill, as well as saving carbon and helping to reduce pressure on the grid.”

By installing a smart meter, Mr Commaret said: “Customers can access a range of benefits, such as better understanding their energy consumption so they can make small changes to reduce their bills and carbon footprint, as well as accessing smart tariffs and demand flexibility schemes to earn them some extra cash.”

People can have a smart meter installed with no upfront extra cost for the meter or for the in-home display it comes with.

Readings will be taken automatically, and if customers choose for these to be sent every 30 minutes, they can then access a personalised view of their energy use in EDF’s exclusive Energy Hub platform.

EDF has found that customers who are using Energy Hub to understand their usage are able to “actively reduce their bills by up to £50 a year” as well as helping to cut their carbon footprint.