- OVO’s Power Move trial shows consumers could save £95.4 million a month and almost 20,000 tons of CO2 emissions by reducing peak time demand across the UK
- Trial participants saved over £22,000 in the first month, proving simple measures can have an impact, and a toolbox of strategies can be used to save energy, cut bills and reduce demand
- Industry and Government working together to help consumers find energy saving methods that work for them
- In November 2022 OVO had 57 people in the Manchester area taking part in Power Move. There’s now 74 after the second round of sign ups.
- They collectively saved a total of 25 kilograms of CO2.
One month into OVO’s Power Move trial, participants have already collectively saved over £22,000. This would mean a £95.4 million saving if everyone in the UK switched to off-peak energy use.
The trial rewards customers £20 per month, up to £100 in total, for shifting their energy usage outside the peak hours of 4pm-7pm on weekdays, when the grid is at its highest demand and relies on carbon-heavy fossil fuels.
If the trial was expanded to all OVO customers, it could save £8 million a month. If a similar scheme was expanded to everyone, households could save £95.4 million each month while cutting carbon emissions by almost 20,000 tons.
As the global energy crisis continues, consumers are seeking small, simple changes that can help them save money and make their homes more energy efficient. The trial has shown that young people, such as students or those starting out on their career, were the most successful in modifying their energy behaviour. Those renting social housing in high rise buildings were also among the most likely to make an effective change.
The news follows a UK-wide Government ‘It All Adds Up’ energy efficiency campaign to raise awareness of the no- or low-cost actions which can save money. This includes suggesting households reduce their boiler flow temperature from 75ºC to 60ºC, which can substantially reduce energy usage without affecting the temperature of a room. Households can also turn off appliances at the plug, which could save approximately £70 per year.
Alongside this, OVO recently launched its Energy Experts trial to upgrade homes, where customers could make simple changes to save up to £260 on bills.
Raman Bhatia, OVO CEO, said: “We need a resilient grid to get us through this winter and beyond. This trial has rewarded customers for taking action to reduce their energy consumption habits at a time when households are looking to reduce costs. We have a responsibility as industry and Government to support households with energy efficiency measures, now and for winters to come.”
