The ‘Demand Flexibility Service’ is a new scheme developed by the National Grid ESO to help ease pressure on the electricity supply grid by paying households to reduce their energy usage during peak times of the day. This winter, energy suppliers are able to financially reward customers if they run appliances during off peak hours, typically overnight.
Whilst the financial incentives are likely to be attractive to consumers – particularly during the cost of living crisis – there are serious safety concerns that consumers need to be made aware of. Appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers account for a high proportion of electrical fires in the UK, so it is crucial to mitigate the risk of a fire as much as possible. This is especially the case if a fire starts at night, as response and escape times are obviously delayed if you are sleeping.
To help keep you and your family safe, it is imperative to follow these simple safety tips:
- Make sure your home is fitted with working smoke alarms on every floor. Test it regularly – ideally weekly
- Register your appliance with the manufacturer so you can be notified if there's a problem.
- Do not overload your plug sockets as this can lead to overheating.
- Clean all filters regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check the cables and plugs of your appliances for any signs of wear and tear.
- If you're concerned about an appliance in your home, use Electrical Safety First's online product checker to see if it has been recalled.
- If you think there might be a problem with your appliance, unplug it and contact the retailer, manufacturer or a qualified repair technician, as appropriate.
These simple checks could save your life.
We are also here to guide you and provide advice on how to save money whilst staying safe during these financially difficult times. For more information, read our Saving Money Safely page.
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