Thousands of customers could save money on energy bills by changing when they use electricity - how to apply

By shifting their energy usage, customers can accumulate free hours of electricity to use on Sundays.

The scheme, which follows a successful trial, aims to alleviate pressure on the energy grid during high-demand periods.

Rich Hughes, Director of Retail at EDF, said: "Our Sunday Saver trial has already helped customers to earn free electricity, whilst also shifting their electricity usage away from peak times, reducing pressure on our energy grid."

The challenge takes place monthly, starting on the first Monday of each month. Customers can earn varying amounts of free electricity based on their reduction in peak consumption.

A 10 per cent reduction in peak usage times earns four hours of free electricity on Sunday.

Customers who cut their usage by 20 per cent receive eight hours, while a 30 per cent reduction yields 12 hours.

The most diligent savers, who reduce their consumption by 40 per cent, can enjoy up to 16 hours of free electricity on Sundays.

EDF's trial results show impressive participation rates. 98 per cent of participants earned at least four hours of free electricity on Sundays at least once.

Among those who took part in every challenge, 88 per cent earned 16 hours or more of free electricity in at least one month.

Michael Parker, a trial participant from Derbyshire, shared his experience: "We've found the Sunday Saver challenge trial really simple - we've managed to reduce our electricity by ensuring we don't do any clothes washing, use the dishwasher or charge a car between 4-7pm."

EDF suggests several ways to shift electricity usage away from peak times:

• Put the dishwasher on at night or during breakfast time.
• Avoid using the washing machine and tumble dryer during peak hours.
• Unplug devices and chargers, using battery power instead. Try alternative family activities instead of using gaming consoles.
• Batch cook at weekends and reheat meals during the week.
• Charge electric cars outside of peak times.

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Parker, who earned 192 free hours on Sundays during the trial, added: "With the free hours we've earned on Sundays, it's been great to do as much as possible such as washing and charging things around the house. We would definitely take part again."

The Sunday Saver challenge has garnered strong support from trial participants. EDF's research shows that 98 per cent of those surveyed made a conscious effort to reduce their energy usage during peak times.

Participants reported various methods for shifting their consumption. Some 51 per cent used their washing machine or tumble dryer at different times, 39 per cent avoided using the dishwasher, and 22 per cent moved their cooking time.

Customers interested in joining the Sunday Saver challenge can visit EDF's website for more information and to be notified when they can sign up for the next challenge.

To participate in the Sunday Saver challenge, customers must have a working smart meter for their electricity supply and opt into half-hourly meter readings.

Customers can track their performance via EDF's Energy Hub platform, accessible through MyAccount online. This platform also provides a personalised view of household energy use.

EDF reports that customers using Energy Hub to understand their usage can reduce their bills by up to £41 a year and decrease their carbon footprint.