EDF Energy, a major UK energy supplier, offers a promotional programme called the Sunday Saver Challenge, which enables eligible customers to earn free electricity on Sundays. This initiative is designed to help households reduce their energy bills by encouraging a shift in electricity usage away from peak weekday hours. The scheme rewards participants with between four and sixteen hours of free electricity on four specific Sundays, based on the amount of energy they successfully move to off-peak times. The programme first launched in 2023 and has been relaunched for periods including January and February 2026, as well as October 2025. Since its inception, EDF reports that over 210,000 customers have participated, and more than £2.73 million has been credited back to customer bills. The challenge is part of EDF's broader efforts to support customers during periods of rising energy costs, as indicated by the Ofgem price cap increases.
To participate, customers must meet specific eligibility criteria. A fundamental requirement is the possession of a working smart meter capable of sending half-hourly readings. Customers must also be opted in to half-hourly meter readings through their EDF account. Registration for the challenge is completed through EDF's MyAccount portal or the Energy Hub section. The registration window typically opens before the challenge period, with deadlines set shortly before the start date; for example, for an October challenge, registration might close on a Sunday ahead of the Monday start. The challenge itself operates on a monthly basis, with new challenges starting on the first Monday of each month. The core activity involves reducing electricity consumption during designated peak periods, which are generally between 4 pm and 7 pm on weekdays from Monday to Friday. The amount of free electricity awarded is directly linked to the percentage reduction achieved during these peak hours. The specific reward tiers are structured as follows: a reduction of 5% to 19.9% earns 4 hours of free electricity (usable from 8 am to 12 pm); a reduction of 20% to 34.9% earns 8 hours (from 8 am to 4 pm); a reduction of 35% to 49.9% earns 12 hours (from 8 am to 8 pm); and a reduction of 50% or more earns the maximum 16 hours of free electricity (from 8 am to midnight). The free electricity is credited for use on the following Sunday after the challenge week.
The programme has demonstrated significant regional popularity across the UK. According to EDF data, the North East of England has the highest participation rate, with nearly nine in ten households earning the full sixteen hours of free electricity. The East and West Midlands follow closely, with 88.76% of participants unlocking the maximum benefit. Scotland achieved 88.45%, and even in London, where flexibility might be lower, almost 87% of households earned free power. Overall, 88% of participants have received at least four free hours. Customer testimonials highlight practical changes, such as avoiding laundry, dishwashing, or car charging between 4 pm and 7 pm, and using the earned free hours on Sundays for these tasks. One participant reported earning 192 hours of free electricity during a trial period.
To optimise participation, EDF advises customers to monitor their energy usage patterns via the Energy Hub in their MyAccount to identify peak consumption times. Simple behavioural adjustments—such as charging devices outside peak hours, running the dishwasher in the morning, or batch cooking on weekends—can help achieve the required reductions. The programme's stated aim is to reduce strain on the National Grid during peak times, contributing to a more sustainable electricity grid and helping Britain move towards net zero. While the Sunday Saver Challenge is specific to EDF, other energy suppliers also offer promotional schemes, though details for those are not provided in the source material.
Conclusion
The EDF Sunday Saver Challenge presents a structured opportunity for UK households with smart meters to earn tangible benefits in the form of free electricity. By shifting energy consumption away from peak weekday hours, participants can receive between four and sixteen hours of free electricity on subsequent Sundays, with the reward tier dependent on the percentage reduction achieved. The programme is accessible via EDF's online account portal, requires a smart meter with half-hourly readings, and operates on a monthly cycle. Its popularity is evidenced by high participation rates and substantial financial credits to customer bills. For consumers seeking to manage energy costs, this challenge offers a practical method to save money while supporting grid stability.