EDF Launches Sunday Saver Scheme with 64 Hours of Free Electricity
EDF is introducing a new initiative that will provide customers with up to 64 hours of free electricity this spring. The energy supplier is rolling out four "free electricity" Sundays as part of its "Sunday Saver" scheme, allowing households to earn substantial rewards by adjusting their power usage habits.
How the Sunday Saver Scheme Works
The scheme is designed to encourage customers to reduce their electricity consumption during peak weekday hours, typically between 4pm and 7pm, when demand on the national grid is at its highest. By participating in the April challenge, households can then redeem their earned free electricity on specific Sundays: April 19, April 26, May 3, and May 10. This enables them to run high-energy appliances, such as washing machines or ovens, without incurring costs on those days.
To qualify for the Sunday Saver scheme, households must have a working smart meter that sends half-hourly readings to EDF. The amount of free electricity earned depends on how much participants cut their peak-time usage:
- Cut by 5% - earn 4 hours of free electricity
- Cut by 20% - earn 8 hours of free electricity
- Cut by 35% - earn 12 hours of free electricity
- Cut by 50% - earn the full 16 hours per week
Over the four-week period, this adds up to a maximum of 64 free hours of electricity for those who achieve the highest reductions.
Practical Tips for Reducing Peak-Time Usage
EDF suggests several strategies to help customers qualify for the free electricity rewards. These include running dishwashers overnight instead of during the evening, avoiding the use of tumble dryers during peak hours, and charging electric vehicles outside of the 4pm to 7pm window. By adopting these habits, households can significantly lower their energy consumption during critical times.
According to EDF, the most committed users could save around £96 a year on their energy bills through this scheme. On average, participants currently earn about 18 hours of free electricity per month, based on company data.
Statements from EDF Leadership
Joe Souto, Director of Retail at EDF, commented on the timing of the scheme, noting that it comes as households prepare for changes in energy costs. "With the energy price cap coming down in April, Sunday Saver continues to give customers a simple, practical way to cut costs and save even more when they need it most," he said.
Mr Souto added, "If customers commit to every Sunday Saver challenge and flex their energy use, they could achieve an average of 266 hours of free electricity on Sundays, and £96 on their annual energy bills." He also highlighted that customers can monitor their savings through EDF's Energy Hub, describing it as "a straightforward way to ease pressure on bills while supporting a more sustainable electricity grid."
The Sunday Saver scheme represents EDF's ongoing effort to promote energy efficiency and provide financial relief to customers, while also contributing to grid stability by reducing demand during peak periods.
