Households are being offered the opportunity to dramatically reduce their energy bills – with some able to secure up to 64 hours of free electricity next month.
In a renewed effort to attract struggling customers, EDF Energy is extending its 'Sunday Saver' initiative throughout May, guaranteeing free power regardless of conditions. The programme incentivises households for reducing electricity consumption during the weekday peak between 4pm and 7pm – a window when demand, and costs, reach their highest. Those who move usage outside these hours can then benefit with between four and 16 hours of complimentary electricity every Sunday.
Across four Sundays, that totals as much as 64 hours free.
Millions have already benefited
The energy firm says the scheme is already gaining traction. Since its launch in 2024, customers have accumulated more than 22.5 million hours of complimentary electricity – representing approximately £7.2 million in savings.
On average, participating households are securing 18 hours of free electricity monthly, providing welcome relief to bills at a time when many continue to face elevated energy costs.
How to access the savings
The requirement is straightforward: consume less power during peak hours in the week.
EDF says even minor adjustments can deliver results. Reducing peak usage by:
- 5% secures 4 free hours
- 20% secures 8 hours
- 35% secures 12 hours
- 50% secures the full 16 hours
Customers can achieve those targets by implementing small lifestyle adjustments, such as:
- Ditching the tumble dryer and air-drying clothes
- Running dishwashers overnight or early morning
- Charging devices and electric cars outside peak times
- Batch cooking at weekends and reheating later
- Switching off unused gadgets rather than leaving them on standby
Free power beyond Sundays
Sunday Saver isn't the only giveaway available. EDF is also promoting its FreePhase tariffs, which provide free electricity whenever there's a surplus of renewable energy on the grid. Customers on the deal accumulated 37 hours of free electricity in just the last fortnight.
The tariff operates on a straightforward three-band system:
- Green (11pm–6am): cheapest rates
- Amber (6am–4pm, 7pm–11pm): mid-range
- Red (4pm–7pm): peak pricing
Prices are updated daily in line with wholesale markets, enabling households to shift usage and reduce costs further.
Sign-up deadline looming
Households have until 11.59pm on May 3 to register for the May challenge, which starts on May 4. Free electricity can then be used on May 17, 24 and 31 and June 7.
To participate, customers must have a functioning smart meter capable of transmitting readings every 30 minutes.
Joe Souto, retail director at EDF, said: "Regardless of the weather, with Sunday Saver customers can earn free electricity every Sunday, and as we head into the warmer months, there's still plenty of opportunities to save on bills.
"Sunday Saver makes it simple for customers to flex their electricity use during busy weekday evenings, save money on their bills, and be rewarded with free electricity. This means customers can focus on enjoying their summer plans and not worry about their bills."
For those households prepared to rethink when they use their energy, the message couldn't be simpler: adjust your routine – and your electricity could cost you absolutely nothing.
