Households across the UK can grab up to 25 hours of free electricity this November, thanks to a new deal from comparison site Uswitch.
The offer is part of its Power Hours scheme, designed to help people cut their bills while easing pressure on the national grid. But you’ll need to act fast, the deadline to sign up is midnight on 31 October.
To join in, download the free Uswitch app, connect your smart meter, and opt into Power Hours.
Earn a bit of extra money in your spare time with surveys, offers and other simple tasks you can do at home.
New users can currently get a bonus when they sign up.
Claim sign-up bonusIt doesn’t matter who your supplier is, whether you’re with British Gas, Octopus, OVO, EDF or anyone else, you can still take part.
How the deal works
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll get five weekends of free electricity in November. Each week, Uswitch will message you to choose a five-hour slot on either Saturday or Sunday morning or afternoon.
During those times, you can use as much electricity as you like, and the value of what you’ve used will be added to your Uswitch account.
When the final Power Hour ends, you can withdraw your savings straight to your bank.
According to Uswitch, households could save up to £25 across the month, depending on how much they use.
For example, if you squeeze in a few loads of laundry or run your tumble dryer during the free hours, the savings can soon add up.
What’s the catch?
To take part, you’ll need to let Uswitch access your smart meter data for 18 months. This is so they can track energy use during Power Hours and measure the scheme’s impact.
The data will also be shared with partners involved in the project, but Uswitch says it won’t affect your eligibility for other free electricity or “demand flexibility” schemes from your own supplier.
Why it’s worth a go
Energy bills tend to climb sharply once the cold weather sets in, with Uswitch estimating households will spend around £77 more on electricity in November than October.
If you can move your most energy-hungry chores, like washing, drying or vacuuming, into the free windows, it’s an easy way to claw some of that back.
It might not solve the energy crisis, but for families looking to make every penny count, 25 free hours of power is a welcome boost right before winter.
Skint Dad says:
If you’ve got a smart meter and don’t mind sharing the data, this is a no-brainer. Free electricity doesn’t come along often, so sign up before the 31 October deadline and make those Power Hours work for you.
