Uswitch offers households new 'free' electricity deal 'regardless of supplier'

Households can enjoy 25 hours of free electricity this November through a new offer from Uswitch, designed to help ease the impact of the upcoming energy price cap rise.

The free hours of electricity are available to anyone with a smart meter, regardless of their supplier. Households can take part by downloading the free Uswitch app, connecting their smart meter and signing up to the scheme. The deadline for signing up is October 31. Natalie Mathie, energy expert of Uswitch.com, said: "With the energy price cap rising tomorrow, Uswitch is offering 25 hours of free electricity to help reduce the blow.

"If households move all of their energy-intensive tasks for the week into the free sessions, this will not only earn them money but also help reduce strain on the grid throughout the week."

Once users have signed up, they'll be notified each week in November, reminding them to pick their five-hour free electricity time slot for the upcoming weekend. They will be able to choose slots from Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon.

After each five-hour time slot is up, Uswitch will calculate how much electricity they've used and add the money earned into the 'Earn' tab within the app.

At the end of the final free-electricity period, the earnings can then be withdrawn by the user into their chosen bank account.

Uswitch is encouraging consumers to schedule their weekly laundry and other energy-intensive tasks to coincide with the free sessions, which take place during off-peak hours. This will help users get the most out of the offer and also ease pressure on the energy grid during the week.

For example, Uswitch suggested that households that use the tumble dryer 15 times through November could earn an estimated £11.94 back, while those who schedule 20 10-minute showers in the free sessions could use electricity worth £6.59.

Ms Mathie said: "Moving our energy use to off-peak times also helps make our energy greener at the same time, as the grid is more likely to be powered by renewables then.

"By piling up your week's laundry and keeping the washing machine and tumble dryer working through each five-hour session, you'll be able to earn back the cost of your electricity.

"It doesn't matter who your energy provider is; everyone is welcome to claim their free electricity. You just need a compatible smart meter. The deadline to sign up closes at the end of October, so sign up now to avoid missing out on your free electricity."

She added: "For 25 years, Uswitch has been helping households save over £2.7billion on their bills by fighting for fairer prices on energy, broadband and mobile bills. This free electricity offer is yet another way we're helping to put cash back in your pocket this winter."

Homes on a standard tariff with average usage are expected to spend £140 on energy in October, an increase from £63 in September. The £77 increase is down to a combination of higher rates, as the price cap will rise by 2% on October 1, and increased usage as temperatures fall.

Taking part in the Uswitch sessions won't prevent households from joining any free electricity schemes offered by their provider.