PEOPLE have only just started realising a major energy supplier is paying customers to reduce their usage this summer.
British Gas is offering thousands of households discounted electricity every Sunday until September 24.
The firm is charging customers 50% off for any they use between 11am and 4pm through its Summer Sundays intiative.
British Gas said demand for electricity is low on Sundays, so is encouraging customers to use as much as they need during the five-hour window rather than at peak times.
The scheme has been live since June 25, but some households have only just started realising.
Taking to Facebook, one person said: “Anyone with British Gas?
“I signed up to a Peak Save club on the app or online.
“Been given half price electricity every Sunday between 11am and 4pm till September. Worth a look.”
Commenting on the post, one replied: “Ooo I can use extra on Sundays fabulous.”
Meanwhile, another British Gas customer flagged the scheme through a Facebook post.
Most read in Money
One person replied: “Thanks for the heads up, I’m definitely going to look into this.”
“My washing machine and car charger will both be on on Sundays!”
Around 150,000 households are already taking part in the scheme, but you can still sign up.
You’ll need a smart meter installed to take part though.
You can register your interest on the British Gas website and the firm will be in touch if you’ve been chosen.
How else to save money on energy bills
If you’re not a British Gas customer, there are some other ways to save money on your energy bills this summer.
It comes as bills fall by over £400 on average for millions of households.
A new price cap, which dictates the maximum providers can charge customers for each unit of gas and electricity, came into effect yesterday.
It means that from July 1, a typical household on a dual-fuel gas and electricity tariff will pay £2,074 a year for their bills, instead of £2,500 previously.
Analysts from Cornwall Insight are predicting bills will fall further from October too.
That said, the cost of gas and electricity is still much higher than it was in 2022 so you’ll want to save money where you can.
You can start by seeing if there’s any help available from your local council to help cover energy bills.
Local authorities across England have been given money via the Household Support Fund to distribute among residents in need.
The help you can get varies depending on where you live, but in some cases you might be able to get energy vouchers.
Other councils are paying cash grants directly into bank accounts.
You should contact your local council to see what help is available.
If you don’t know what council area you fall under, you can use the Government’s council locator tool on its website.
Meanwhile, if you’re struggling to make payments, some energy firms offer grants worth up to £1,500.
Companies including British Gas, EDF and Scottish Power all offer help. You should contact your firm to see what might be on offer.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.