A MAJOR energy supplier has started paying thousands of customers to slash their usage – and they should be looking out for a code.
British Gas launched its Summer Sundays scheme last week, offering households discounted energy until the end of September.
Anyone using electricity between 11am and 4pm each Sunday will get 50% off.
The first session was on June 25 and they will be running each and every Sunday from then until September 24.
British Gas says demand for electricity is low on Sundays, and that's why it is encouraging customers to use as much as they need during these hours rather than at peak times.
Roughly 150,000 households are taking part in the scheme, but you can still sign up if you haven't already.
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Those taking part will be credited half of what they spent each Sunday.
But they should look out for a specific code which denotes the credit has come from British Gas.
Any payments will show up at "PeakSave Credit" on bills or online statements.
Who is eligible?
The Summer Sunday sessions come as part of British Gas' PeakSave scheme, which launched in December last year.
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The provider said it expects customers involved in the scheme to save £5million in total by the end of September.
But, you'll need a smart meter installed if you want to take part in the saving sessions.
If you're not already signed up, you can register your interest on the British Gas website.
You'll have to provide your full name, email address and customer reference number.
The firm will then get in touch with you if you've been selected to take part.
Once you have signed up, you don't have to re-register for every Sunday Session – once is enough.
Once you've been accepted onto the scheme, you'll be able to use as much electricity as you want over the five-hour window.
How much can I save?
British Gas estimates customers signing up to its new scheme will save nearly £30 during the 14 weeks across eight activities.
The provider said households using an electric oven for two hours each Sunday will save £8.90 in total over the summer.
Meanwhile, people can save £5.37 over the same time frame if using a tumble dryer for one hour a week.
The full list of activities and estimated savings across the 14-week period is:
- Watching television – £1.27
- Drinking x10 cups of tea/coffee – 99p
- Two hours using electric oven – £8.90
- One hour using electric hob – £4.24
- One hour spent vacuuming £2.97
- One hour using washing machine – £4.52
- One hour using tumble dryer – £5.37
- Two hours playing video games – 99p
What other help can I get with my energy bills?
It's not just the British Gas Summer Sundays that could save you money on your energy bills this summer.
Even if you're not a customer with the provider, you might be able to get help via the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.
The pot of money has been shared between local councils in England who then decide how to distribute their share.
That means what you get depends on where you live – but in most cases help is offered to those on a low income or benefits.
You should get in touch with your local council to find out what help is available to you.
If you don't know what council area you fall under you can use the Government's council locator tool on its website.
You just have to enter your postcode and it will bring up what authority area you live in.
In some local authority areas, councils are handing out cash grants to households while others are distributing energy vouchers.
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Meanwhile, a number of energy firms offer customers grants if they are struggling to pay for their bills.
British Gas pays out free cash worth up to £1,500 while EDF, E.ON, Scottish Power and Octopus Energy customers can all get help.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
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