OVO customers could earn up to £160 this winter with energy bill saving scheme | Personal Finance | Finance

Energy provider OVO has announced it will be joining the National Grid ESO’s Demand Flexibility Scheme (DFS) to reward customers for switching their energy usage out of peak times this winter.

Running from November 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, Power Move Plus customers could earn up to £100 for reducing their use of power-hungry appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, during a stated period of time.

According to the green energy supplier, the Power Move Plus DFS events will run alongside OVO’s existing Power Move challenges.

This means that between November 2023 and March 2024, Power Move customers can earn an additional £60 for reducing their electricity consumption during the firm’s defined peak hours of 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.

Mat Moakes, Chief Commercial Officer, OVO, said: “The DFS cut its teeth last year and showed that by rewarding people for taking collective action, we can drive positive change in our energy system.

“But when it comes to tackling the climate crisis, we need to help people make long-term changes.

“That’s why OVO’s Power Move scheme runs all year round and rewards people for shifting energy use out of peak energy times. It’s this consistent, collective action that will make the biggest impact over time.”

Since launching this summer, over 60,000 people have signed up for the scheme. The objective of the scheme is to shift non-essential electricity use away from peak times, to reduce the demand on the grid and dependence on fossil fuels.

By opting into the scheme, a statement from OVO reads: “You’ll be using electricity at times when the grid is likely to be greener.”

OVO will alert Power Move Plus participants about the day and time of the DFS events via email, and customers who complete both the Power Move and Power Move Plus challenges could earn up to £160 this winter.

Once signed up to Power Move Plus, eligible customers will need to opt-in to DFS events at least 30 minutes before the event starts.

To be eligible to join the scheme, OVO customers must:

• Have a communicating electricity smart meter that is a credit meter
• Have a smart meter that is single rate (meaning they only pay a single, flat rate for their electricity) or economy-7
• Opt-in to half-hourly meter readings – people can do this via their online account
• Have an active email address.

Those who aren’t customers of OVO will be pleased to hear a number of other energy providers will be joining the National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) to help customers save on bills. The full list of providers taking part will be published on its website on October 30.