The National Grid is to pay some households to chop their power use after activating its blackout prevention scheme in the course of the present chilly snap.

Eligible properties with sensible meters will probably be provided money and different rewards in return for lowering their utilization between 5pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday, it has been introduced.

It marks the primary time the Live Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) has been activated this autumn and winter.

A spokesperson for the National Grid ESO (electrical energy system operator) mentioned: "Our forecasts show electricity supply margins are expected to be tighter than normal on Wednesday evening.

"It doesn't imply electrical energy provides are in danger and other people shouldn't be fearful.

"These are precautionary measures to maintain the buffer of spare capacity we need."

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Sky News understands the scheme has been activated partly in response to the continued chilly climate throughout a lot of the UK.

Forecasters have warned the UK could be hit by snow and ice in places over the coming days.

The scheme began in 2022 within the wake of Europe's fuel squeeze brought on by the conflict in Ukraine.

More than 1.6 million households and companies have been concerned to this point.

The quantity paid to prospects varies relying on their circumstances and common power use.

Eligible households do not need to show off all electrical energy - together with their lights - throughout a DFS interval.

Instead they're urged to close down home equipment corresponding to washing machines which may use excessive portions of power. Participation can be non-compulsory.

The scheme is estimated to have saved greater than 3,300MWh of electrical energy throughout 22 activations in 2022, which is sufficient to energy round 10 million properties for an hour.