UK households can enjoy 25 hours of free electricity - how to claim before deadline

UK households could benefit from up to 25 hours of free electricity this November, courtesy of Uswitch.com. The comparison website's latest offer aims to alleviate some of the financial burden from tomorrow's (October 1) rise in the energy price cap.

However, swift action is required to avoid missing the deadline. The cut-off date for registration is October 31.

The complimentary electricity hours are accessible to anyone with a smart meter, irrespective of their supplier. Households can participate by downloading the free Uswitch app - available on Google Play or Apple Store - connecting their smart meter and registering for the scheme.

Once registered, users will receive weekly notifications throughout November, prompting them to select their five-hour free electricity slot for the forthcoming weekend: either Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning, or Sunday afternoon.

After each five-hour period concludes, Uswitch calculates the amount of electricity consumed and adds the equivalent monetary value to the 'Earn' tab within the app.

Upon completion of the final free electricity session, users can transfer their earnings into their chosen bank account. Uswitch is urging consumers to align their weekly laundry and other energy-intensive chores with the free sessions, which occur during off-peak hours, reports the Mirror.

This will assist users in maximising the offer and also lessen the strain on the energy grid during the week. For example, households that use the tumble dryer 15 times throughout November could earn £11.94 back, while those who schedule 20 ten-minute showers in the free sessions could use electricity worth £6.59.

Maximising your free electricity sessions

Device	Power (kW)	Uses in five hours	Power used (kWh)	Saving per session	Over five sessions
Tumble dryer	3.02kWh per cycle	3 loads	9.06	£2.39	£11.94
Washing machine	0.712kWh per cycle	3 loads	2.14	£0.56	£2.81
Dishwasher	0.79kWh per cycle	1 load	0.79	£0.21	£1.04
Kettle	3kW	Three full kettles	0.75	£0.20	£0.99
Electric oven	2kW	One hour	2.00	£0.53	£2.64
Air fryer	1.4kW	30 minutes	0.70	£0.18	£0.92
Electric shower	7.5kW	Four ten-minute showers	5.00	£1.32	£6.59

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 due to a combination of higher rates and increased usage as temperatures drop.

Usage costs are based on average energy consumption (using TDCVs) in September and October, calculated at current and upcoming energy costs and standing charges. The average household uses 219kWh of gas and 191kWh of electricity in September. At July's unit rates this equals £13.87 for gas and £49.12 for electricity, and £62.99 in total. In October, the average household uses 1205kWh of gas and 245kWh of electricity, costing £75.78 and £64.68 respectively, and £140.46 in total. £140.46 - £62.99 = £77.47.

Participating in the Uswitch sessions won't prevent households from joining any free electricity schemes offered by their provider. Households can also accumulate even more earnings by continuing to participate in Uswitch's Reduce and Earn sessions, which is part of the Demand Flexibility Scheme.

Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch, has 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.

"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.

"For 25 years, Uswitch has been helping households save over £2.7bn 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."