British Gas has confirmed that households can access cheaper electricity between 11am and 4pm through its PeakSave tariff. The energy supplier states that this tariff helps customers save money by using electricity when it is both cheaper and greener, as lower demand typically means more renewable energy on the grid.
How PeakSave Works for Customers
With a PeakSave tariff, electricity is offered at half price during these off-peak times, according to British Gas. The company explains that this helps customers save money and reduce carbon emissions simultaneously. The benefit is available as an added extra on top of an existing tariff, regardless of the plan a customer is currently on.
For households in Birmingham and elsewhere, PeakSave Sundays provide five hours of cheaper electricity every Sunday from 11am to 4pm. This applies to any electricity usage during that window, allowing customers to plan energy-intensive activities for those hours.
Expert Advice on Reducing Energy Bills
Simon Wood, Head of Energy Pricing & Costing at British Gas, addressed the common question: “How can I reduce my energy bills immediately?” He highlighted various ways to save energy around the home, including turning down thermostats and choosing shorter cycles on appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
Wood added: “For electricity, you can make savings if you're on a dual-rate tariff by shifting as much usage as you can to your cheaper hours. And, if you’re with British Gas for your energy, consider signing up for our PeakSave tariff, which gives you cheaper electricity during off-peak periods.”
Tariff Options and How to Switch
Wood also advised customers on variable tariffs to check which hours qualify for the lower rate on their specific plan. “That will be the best time to use energy-hungry appliances like ovens and tumble dryers,” he said. For those on single-rate tariffs, he noted that they pay the same for boiling a kettle at 4am as at 4pm, but British Gas offers various smart time-of-use tariffs that can help save money.
To sign up, British Gas instructs customers to go to their online account, select 'Change' or 'Switch' tariff, and choose the PeakSave option from available plans. The company notes that once a customer selects the PeakSave Super Sunday tariff, they cannot switch back to PeakSave Sundays.
