The discounted rate follows a six-week trial that saw about 5,000 customers adjust when they used electricity in their home. The aim is to move higher consumption to times of lower demand on the national grid, when renewable power can be more readily available.
According to ScottishPower figures, based on the trial results, the estimated savings would equate to an average of £35 per customer per year. But the energy firm said the biggest savers can save up to £300 per year, depending on usage.
The deal offers half-price electricity between 11am and 4pm every Saturday and Sunday from now until the end of April 2025, although it could potentially be withdrawn at any time.
To be eligible, ScottishPower customers need a smart meter that sends readings at half-hourly intervals. Customers are automatically opted in to the offer.
However, half-price weekends are not available to customers on prepayment meters, those on Heat Pump Saver tariffs or signed up to EV Optimise. Customers with “outstanding, unpaid, or overdue charges” to ScottishPower are also excluded.
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ScottishPower claims it is currently the only energy supplier in the UK to offer its customers cheaper electricity over both weekend days.
Andrew Ward, chief executive of ScottishPower’s customer business, said: “We know our customers are savvy when it comes to managing their energy use. We’re driving initiatives to help reduce bills, especially at this time of year when people are using more energy and the new price cap comes into force.
“Through half-price weekends, we hope to raise awareness of the benefits of using less electricity at peak times and encourage shifting usage to other days where they can.
“By working together with our customers, we can ease pressure on the electricity network, meaning that the need for energy from fossil fuel sources can be lessened. This in turn benefits our customer’s pockets and the environment too.”
Earlier this month, Ofgem announced that the energy price cap will rise at the beginning of next year.
