UK urged to use more power this summer as renewables soar to record highs

UK urged to use more power this summer as renewables soar to record highsThe UK has reached record highs in renewable energy levels - and now people are given incentives to use electricity through the night instead in reward for lower billsCommentsMoneyNiamh Kirk Features Writer11:14, 14 Apr 2026Updated 11:16, 14 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesPeople are being urged to charge their cars to use up electricity(Image: Getty)Thanks to the sunny spring days recently, the UK hit a solar power record earlier this month. Now people are being urged to use more electricity than needed to help balance out the power grid and lower skyrocketing energy bills.‌When there is a surplus of electricity, households may be offered heavily discounted or free electricity to use up. This means charging electric cars, running dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak hours, when there is more wind and solar power than the electricity grid needs.‌Many energy suppliers are already offering over 2 million households the option to pay lower electricity rates if used in off-peak hours. Off peak hours typically run overnight between 11pm and 8am and can offer cheaper rates depending on the supplier.‌READ MORE: DWP support for vulnerable households after April 1 rolloutView 2 ImagesMore homes are becoming energy efficient in the UK(Image: Richard Newstead via Getty Images)Those using a smart-energy tariff were urged to use their electricity in these hours - such as charging vehicles overnight or putting their washing machine on a timer to use up the energy in the early hours of the morning instead of peak times.Peak times include in the UK generally occur on weekdays between 4pm and 7pm or 8pm when most people are home from work and doing household chores.‌This incentive to use up extra electricity hopes that calling on households to increase their consumption can help to avoid price spikes when electricity is low according to The National Energy System Operator (Neso).It could be a good option for p...