Smart Flex: win rewards for saving energy during peak hours
By: Shell Energy
31 Oct 2023
After a successful trial, Smart Flex is back.
Last year, thousands of Shell Energy customers contributed to Smart Flex. Now, we’re ready to flex again – and help ease the strain on the nation’s energy supply.
If you’re a Shell Energy customer with a communicating smart meter, you can take part in this year’s Smart Flex scheme. All you need to do is use less electricity at certain times when the country is using more - known as ‘events’ - running between November and March.
Win more when you use less
The more times you take part and the more energy you save, the more chances you have to win £20 gift cards. We’ll be giving away 300 for each event, and winners can choose from Sainsbury’s, M&S, Amazon.co.uk or Just Eat.
In total, there are more than £70,000 of gift cards up for grabs across the 12 guaranteed events (plus more events on top, when needed).
For every 0.05kWh you save, we’ll reward you with an entry into the prize draw for that event. We calculate what you’ve saved based on your normal energy use.
Why do we need to flex our energy use?
Energy isn’t an unlimited resource, and there are times when supply struggles to keep up with demand. To help, the Electricity System Operator has set up the Demand Flexibility Service, which encourages customers to balance demand on the network by using energy outside peak hours.
As the nation continues to develop cleaner energy solutions, working together to balance demand will help make the UK more energy efficient.
Tips to flex your energy use
If you have a smart meter, you can take part by being flexible about when you use your most energy-hungry appliances – like the dishwasher, oven or washing machine. The more events you take part in, the more chances you have of winning.
Here are some ideas for making small changes to use less energy during events – typically between 4pm and 7pm.
Take an evening stroll
Turn off all appliances, lights and electronics and get the family out for a walk. Wrap up warm, check you can be seen, and stick to well-lit routes. Not only will this reduce your usual energy consumption, but it’s great for everyone’s health and wellbeing too.
Hold a games night
Unplug the TV, bring out the board games, and share some quality time with the family. Being in one part of the house also means you can switch everything else off.
Use larger appliances another time
Use the washing machine or dishwasher at a different time of day, like when you’re first up in the morning. Getting it all done outside peak hours will help lower your energy use during a Smart Flex event.
How you can get involved
If you’re a smart meter customer, it's easy to sign up to Smart Flex, and free to take part. As long as you’ve opted into hearing from us in your marketing preferences, you’ll receive an invitation by email, with instructions on how to join.
Once you’re signed up, we’ll get in touch before each event begins – so you can plan how to flex your energy use beforehand.