UK households equipped with smart meters have a two-day window to sign up for a scheme that pays them for using electricity during the May bank holiday weekend. Eligible participants can earn money by consuming power between 8am and 4pm on any of the three days from May 2 to May 4.
How the Payment Works
Energy comparison site Uswitch will calculate the electricity used during the active hours and notify customers when their earnings are available. Payments, up to a maximum of £10, can be claimed via the Uswitch app and transferred directly to a bank account.
The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 29, at 11:59pm. The offer is limited to 25,000 existing users who already have their smart meter linked to a Uswitch account. However, there are unlimited spaces for new customers until the sign-up window closes.
Potential Savings on Common Appliances
Uswitch has provided estimates of savings per use for typical household appliances during the paid period:
- Tumble dryer (one load at 3kW per cycle): 74p saving
- Electric oven (2kW for one hour): 49p saving
- Jet washing (1.5kW for one hour): 37p saving
- Air fryer (1.4kW for one hour): 35p saving
- Electric shower (7.5kW for 10 minutes): 31p saving
- Dishwasher (one load at 1kWh per cycle): 25p saving
- Washing machine (one load at 0.712kWh per cycle): 18p saving
- Kettle (one full kettle at 3kW): 6p saving
- Vacuuming (150W for one hour): 4p saving
Expert Advice
Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch.com, commented: "Time’s running out on the opportunity to claim free electricity over the first May bank holiday weekend, so make sure you sign up before midnight on Wednesday 29 April. Whether you’re tackling the spring clean, catching up on laundry, or cooking for friends and family, you can earn back your electricity spend on us. It doesn’t matter who your energy provider is, as all new customers are welcome to claim back the cost of their electricity. You just need a compatible smart meter. We’ll pay you back for electricity used between 8am and 4pm on your preferred day of the bank holiday weekend. We’ll calculate your earnings by the end of May, and you’ll then be able to withdraw the money directly from the app into your bank account. Download the Uswitch app and sign up as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss out on your free electricity."
