Major energy firm offers 16 hours of free electricity – see if you can apply

EDF customers have the opportunity to save a substantial amount on their energy bills this weekend. The energy provider is offering up to 16 hours of free electricity through its Sunday Saver challenges.

The initiative is designed to encourage households to shift their energy usage away from peak hours, in an effort to alleviate pressure on the National Grid. According to EDF, these minor challenges could result in rewards of up to 16 hours of free electricity for some.

To benefit from the scheme, EDF customers are urged to reduce their electricity consumption between 8am and midnight, with varying amounts of free electricity available depending on the level of reduction and timing. EDF emphasised that customers must move their electricity usage away from peak times from Monday to Friday to earn their free electricity.

There are also specific time restrictions on when the free electricity can be used, depending on how much was saved and how many free hours were earned:

• Saving 5% to 19.9% results in four hours of free electricity which can be used 8am to midday
• Saving 20% to 34.9% results in eight hours of free electricity which can be used 8am to 4pm
• Saving 35% to 49.9% results in 12 hours of free electricity which can be used from 8am to 8pm
• Saving 50% or more results in 16 hours of free electricity which can be used from 8am to midnight

To participate in the challenge, EDF customers must first sign up for the Sunday Saver scheme through the energy supplier:

• EDF has your mobile phone number, so it can send you messages
• You’re not taking part in the Beat the Peak+ challenge
• You have a smart electricity meter that’s sending EDF readings every 30 minutes
• EDF has had enough electricity meter readings from your smart meter in the run-up to the challenge
• You have one electricity supply point (also known as your Meter Point Administration Number or MPAN)
• Your tariff has one or two electricity rates
• You’re an EDF residential customer living in England, Scotland or Wales (aged 18 or over)

All new challenges will start on the first Monday of the month. Customers are encouraged to visit the Energy Hub before each challenge to sign up.

If you’ve never used the Energy Hub site before, more details can be found

Rich Hughes, director of retail at EDF, acknowledged the financial strain on households: “With energy prices rising, we know many household budgets are stretched, which is why we want to help more people still do the things they love on a Sunday for free, saving them cash on their bills and helping them to reduce their carbon footprint.”