EDF has launched a new scheme that allows eligible customers to earn free electricity by reducing their power use during weekday evening peak periods. The programme is designed to encourage households to move some activities, such as washing clothes or running dishwashers, away from the busiest hours on the electricity system.
The offer comes as energy suppliers look for ways to manage demand more flexibly while renewable generation from sources such as wind and solar becomes a larger part of the electricity mix. Customers who take part will need a compatible smart meter and must adjust some daily routines to receive the highest rewards.
How EDF’s Free Electricity Scheme Works
The scheme, called Flextras, includes a Weekend Saver challenge that rewards customers who reduce their electricity consumption between 4pm and 7pm from Monday to Friday. According to EDF, eligible households can earn up to 25 hours of free electricity each month by keeping their peak-time usage below certain levels.
Customers using 9% or less of their monthly electricity during the weekday peak period can receive the maximum reward of 25 free hours. Those using between 9% and 12% can earn 15 hours, while lower rewards are available for customers with higher peak-time consumption. Households using 18% or more during these hours will not receive free electricity through the challenge.
According to EDF, the target is calculated using smart meter readings that show electricity use in half-hour periods. The company compares electricity consumed during weekday peak hours with total monthly usage to determine whether customers qualify for rewards.
EDF said customers can receive four free bonus hours when joining Flextras, provided their smart meter sends readings every 30 minutes. Rewards earned through Weekend Saver are credited to customer accounts after the free electricity has been used. The free hours can be selected for use on Saturdays and Sundays between midnight and 3pm. If customers do not choose a time slot, EDF says it will automatically assign one before the end of the reward period.
Changing Household Habits to Reduce Peak Demand
The scheme depends on households moving some electricity use away from the evening period when demand is highest. Activities such as using washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers may need to be scheduled at different times for customers aiming to earn more free hours.
According to the company, simple changes can help reduce peak-time consumption. EDF suggests running dishwashers after 7pm or outside the weekday peak window, avoiding laundry during those hours and reducing unnecessary electricity use from devices left on standby.
The wider aim is to create a more flexible electricity system by spreading demand across different times of the day. According to EDF, reducing pressure during busy periods can help support the operation of the grid as renewable energy sources continue to contribute to electricity generation.
Joe Souto, director of retail at EDF, said: “Flextras is all about giving our customers more value, and recognising the role they can play in helping create a smarter, more flexible energy system.”
The scheme is available through the EDF app for eligible customers who meet the requirements. Some smart time-of-use tariffs, including certain electric vehicle, solar and heat pump tariffs, are not included in Weekend Saver. For households already using less electricity during weekday peak hours, the scheme may provide rewards without major changes. Others may need to rethink when they complete everyday tasks if they want to access the highest level of free electricity available.
