AN electric car owner has shared how he cut his energy bill to almost zero by using a clever trick.
Paul Kershaw, 51, has been selling power back to the National Grid after charging his vehicle during off-peak times.
3
3
The savvy driver has been able to cover the cost of his rising energy bills with the money he is making returning the energy for profit.
Paul says the move has cut his energy bills to almost zero.
He said: “It’s taking away a lot of the anxiety about bills going up by 300 per cent. Last year I paid £7.50 for electricity per month.”
The money saving hack stems from his participation in a ‘vehicle to grid’ trial by power supplier Ovo and software company Kaluza, the Mirror reports.
He says the car essentially works as if it’s a huge battery due to its ability to store power.
Paul said: “I only drive a couple of miles a day, and the rest of the time it’s just sitting there on the driveway, depreciating in value.”
He plugs his Nissan Leaf to charge up during off-peak times, and the Kaluza app calculates what he will need for his personal usage, and what he can sell back to the National Grid when it needs it most.
By selling back to the grid, he’s made £164 – but only spent £93 a month charging his car.
Most read in The Sun
There is a catch however, with the specialised box that’s needed to be able to sell back the power ranging between £750 to several thousand.
As Paul is on the trial, he got his for free.
The method can also only be used with vehicles equipped with a CHAdeMO charger which is only really seen in Japanese electric cars.
Millions of households are facing higher energy bills but many could get extra help to cover the rising cost.
And people on prepayment meters could get help topping up too.
Help with energy bills
There are schemes offered by suppliers, local councils, charities and the government that could help.
If you’re struggling with energy costs or other bills there are plenty of organisations where you can seek advice for free, including:
You should speak to your energy supplier in the first instance as they have schemes in place to help with bills and arrears, including hardship funds and grants.
3
