THE decision not to offer households a discount on their bills is a “missed opportunity” a leading property association has said.

The National Grid had been expected to activate an emergency scheme offering households discounts on their bills if they used less energy.

In the event, the announcement was postponed, with the Grid more hopeful of being able to avoid power cuts, though it is not clear how long this will last.
The National Association of Property Buyers said it was a “pity” the scheme hadn’t been rolled out and warned the country couldn’t remain living on a knife-edge when it comes to power.

Spokesman Jonathan Rolande said: “It’s a pity that the opportunity for householders to make savings has been abandoned. It would have sent a positive message so this feels like something of a missed opportunity.
“The Government is rightly going to be hugely concerned about the idea of blackouts over the Winter because this could prove the final straw with voters.

“However we need to develop a strategy which ensures we aren’t all living on a knife-edge between now and the Spring.”

Offering advice on how Brits can still make savings Mr Rolande added: “ I’d urge everyone to check if their current meter has two supply phases (a day and night rate, sometimes referred to as Rate 1 and Rate 2). This can be found by checking the meter and scrolling through to readings, or by checking a bill. Night rates are already up to 50% cheaper if you have this type of meter. If you do not have one, simple steps such as ensuring large appliances like dishwashers are full before switching them on and using the Eco mode will dramatically cut back on wasted energy.”
It was announced on Monday morning that the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS), which is designed to avoid blackouts, may have been brought in for the first time to reduce expected strain on the electricity grid.
The scheme sees households, which are signed up for the initiative, paid to not use things like electric ovens, dishwashers and tumble dryers between certain hours.
It is the first line of defence in the event that peak evening demand exceeds supply over the coming winter.
The UK’s power grid usually relies on imports from France over the winter months to make up any shortfalls in electricity output.

However, the French nuclear power industry, which accounts for around 75% of its usual electricity generation, is in turmoil.
More than half of the reactors run by state energy firm EDF have been closed due to maintenance and technical problems.
It is exacerbating the wider energy crisis across Europe as countries face down the colder months.

That is because the continent is without the usual volumes of gas flows from Russia because of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.