The British authorities want to encourage, through rebates, consumers to favor off-peak hours to use energy-hungry appliances such as washing machines, in an attempt to mitigate the risk of power cuts. According to press information partially confirmed by the manager of the national electricity network (ESO), the latter is considering “rewarding” with discounts the British who adopt such virtuous behavior. They could receive up to 6 pounds (7 euros) per kilowatt-hour used at off-peak hours, by running washing machines, dishwashers, dryers or video game consoles less between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
“We are developing a new service that consumers will be able to benefit from this winter, and will provide additional information soon,” an ESO spokesperson said. According to the newspaper Sunday Times, the manager will submit the idea of the device to the regulator of the sector, Ofgem, hoping to see it succeed by the end of October. The revelation of the plan comes as warning signs are mounting over the UK’s energy situation this winter, even though Economy Minister Nadhim Zahawi has dismissed the possibility of cuts.
A bill that could reach 6,000 pounds per year
In the midst of the oil and especially gas shock aggravated by the war in Ukraine, drastic increases in energy prices are expected in the coming weeks. The United Kingdom is very dependent on gas compared to other countries such as France, where the energy mix includes a majority of nuclear. Electricity prices for individuals should have more than doubled over one year next January. The average energy bill per household could then reach 6,000 pounds per year according to some estimates, or nearly 20% of household disposable income in the United Kingdom.
Health professionals warned on Friday of a “humanitarian crisis” as more and more Britons risk having to choose between heating their homes or feeding themselves. Inflation has already reached 10.1% over one year in July, a record in 40 years. And price increases could exceed 13% in October. In mid-August, the UK energy sector called on the government to “rapidly” increase support for consumers. But resigning Prime Minister Boris Johnson has referred this file to his successor, who is being appointed by Conservative party activists, a consultation whose result should be known on September 5.
Thermal colanders, a recurring problem
Liz Truss, the favorite, favors tax cuts, while her rival Rishi Sunak speaks of “moral responsibility” to provide more direct aid to consumers, the public subsidy currently being 400 pounds per year.
For its part, the Labor opposition reiterated its call for better insulation of some 19 million homes over the next ten years. It is a “mission of national interest” and a “long-term response” to the crisis, party leader Keir Starmer said on Monday, mocking the inaction of the Conservatives and their ” zombie government”.
Environmental NGOs, but also the British employers, have recently urged to tackle the problem of thermal sieves in the country.