Several energy providers across the UK are offering enticing incentives to brighten the holiday season for their customers, including free or discounted electricity and gas on Christmas Day and surrounding days. These festive offers aim to alleviate the financial burden of increased energy consumption during the holidays, a time often characterized by extensive use of heating, lighting, and cooking appliances. The initiatives also promote smart energy usage and highlight the benefits of smart meters, which are typically a prerequisite for participation in these programs.
E.ON Next stands out with its generous offer of free electricity and gas, waiving all charges, including the daily standing charge, from Christmas Eve through Boxing Day (December 24th-26th). This comprehensive approach provides significant savings for customers enrolled in their Next Reward Days 12-month Fixed Tariff who also have a smart meter installed. The smart meter enables E.ON Next to track usage during the promotional period, ensuring the accuracy of the benefit. This initiative aligns with E.ON Next’s commitment to energy affordability and sustainability, easing financial pressures on customers while encouraging responsible energy consumption.
Other energy suppliers offer variations on the festive savings theme. EDF, for example, extends its existing Sunday Saver Challenge, granting eight hours of free electricity on Christmas Day to all participants, regardless of their adherence to off-peak usage during the preceding week. This program typically rewards customers with free Sunday electricity for sticking to off-peak times throughout the week, but Christmas Day offers a bonus for all enrolled customers with smart meters. British Gas offers half-price electricity on Christmas Day between 11 am and 4 pm to customers enrolled in their PeakSave scheme. This program encourages customers to shift energy-intensive tasks to the discounted period, maximizing their savings.
Octopus Energy, through its Octoplus program, takes a different approach, offering free one-hour energy sessions when wholesale energy prices fall below zero. Customers with smart meters receive advance notifications of these sessions, enabling them to capitalize on the free energy periods for tasks like charging devices, running appliances, or boosting heating. These sessions aren’t specifically tied to Christmas but offer ongoing savings opportunities based on market fluctuations. Ovo Energy’s Power Move scheme further incentivizes off-peak energy usage, offering up to £10 monthly to customers who limit their electricity consumption during peak hours (6-9 pm, Monday to Friday). This encourages behavioral changes to reduce strain on the grid during high-demand periods.
Scottish Gas, while offering half-price electricity on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 am and 4 pm, doesn’t provide a specific Christmas Day discount due to the holiday falling mid-week this year. However, their weekend discount still presents an opportunity for customers to save on energy costs throughout the year.
Customers whose suppliers don’t offer festive discounts are encouraged to contact their providers to inquire about alternative seasonal assistance programs or explore options for switching to a more cost-effective tariff. Comparing tariffs and ensuring eligibility for available benefits are crucial steps in managing energy costs year-round. Beyond specific holiday deals, adopting energy-efficient practices can significantly reduce long-term energy expenses. Simple changes in habits and utilizing energy-saving tips can lead to substantial savings over time.
For households facing financial difficulties in managing their energy bills, various support options are available. Suppliers often offer repayment plans to help customers manage debt, allowing them to pay off outstanding balances in manageable installments. Negotiating affordable repayment terms is essential for avoiding further financial strain. Many energy companies also provide grants to assist struggling customers, though eligibility criteria and grant amounts vary depending on the supplier and individual circumstances. British Gas, for instance, offers grants of up to £2,000, and other providers like EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy, and Scottish Power also have grant programs in place.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) provides additional support and protections for vulnerable households, including advance notice of potential blackouts, free gas safety checks, and tailored assistance for those facing financial hardship. Eligibility for the PSR extends to individuals with specific needs, such as the elderly, those with disabilities, or those with chronic illnesses. Contacting your energy supplier can determine eligibility and facilitate enrollment in the PSR. By exploring these available resources and adopting energy-efficient practices, households can navigate the challenges of rising energy costs and ensure a warm and affordable holiday season.
