EDF Energy, a UK-based energy supplier, has introduced a promotional programme called the Sunday Saver challenge. This initiative rewards customers for reducing their electricity consumption during weekday peak hours by providing free electricity on Sundays. The programme is part of a broader set of offers from EDF aimed at helping customers manage energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. The following article details the mechanics, eligibility, and benefits of the Sunday Saver challenge, alongside other relevant offers, based exclusively on information from official EDF sources.
The Sunday Saver challenge is designed to shift electricity usage away from the weekday peak period of 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday. By using less electricity during these hours, customers can earn free electricity to use on the subsequent Sunday. The amount of free electricity earned is directly proportional to the reduction achieved. For instance, a 10% reduction in peak consumption earns four hours of free electricity, a 20% reduction earns eight hours, 30% earns twelve hours, and a 40% reduction earns the maximum of 16 hours of free electricity on a Sunday. This tiered structure incentivises greater effort and rewards participants accordingly.
Participation in the Sunday Saver challenge requires specific eligibility criteria. Customers must have a working smart meter for their electricity supply and be opted into half-hourly meter reads. These technical requirements are essential for EDF to accurately track consumption changes during the defined peak times. The challenge operates on a monthly basis, with challenges starting on the first Monday of the month. However, it is noted that challenges may not run every month, and customers will be informed about availability. Participants must sign up for each individual challenge when it is offered.
To assist customers in shifting their consumption, EDF suggests several practical methods. These include putting the dishwasher on at night or breakfast time, avoiding the use of washing machines and tumble dryers during peak hours, unplugging devices and using battery power instead of charging during the day, pausing the use of gaming consoles during peak times, batch cooking at the weekend to reheat during the week, and charging electric vehicles outside of peak times. These suggestions are based on feedback from trial participants, who reported that the easiest ways they shifted consumption were by using the washing machine or tumble dryer at different times (51%), not using the dishwasher (39%), and moving their cooking time (22%).
The Sunday Saver challenge follows a successful trial period. According to EDF's data, 98% of trial participants earned four hours or more of free electricity on Sundays at least once. Among those who participated in every challenge, 88% earned 16 hours or more in at least one month. Collectively, participants accumulated a total of 39,624 free hours over the last five months of the trial. Research conducted by EDF among 72 trial participants in June 2024 indicated that 98% made a conscious effort to reduce energy usage during peak times, and 68% said the trial helped them understand the relationship between their usage and carbon footprint. Customer testimonials, such as that from Michael and Julie Parker from Derbyshire who earned 192 free hours, highlight the programme's tangible benefits.
Participants are notified via WhatsApp or SMS if they have earned free electricity. They can also track their performance and see a personalised view of their household energy use through EDF's exclusive Energy Hub platform, accessible via MyAccount online. EDF states that customers using Energy Hub to understand their usage can actively reduce their bills by up to £41 a year and help cut their carbon footprint. The free electricity earned is subject to a fair usage cap, which EDF will notify customers about via the Energy Hub at the start of each challenge. Full terms and conditions, including eligibility details, are provided before signing up to the challenge.
Beyond the Sunday Saver challenge, EDF offers other promotions. One significant offer is the 'Heat Pump and Power Tracker' bundle, which includes a month’s worth of 'free electricity' for the entire month of December 2025. This offer is available to customers who sign up for the tariff and opt to switch their properties entirely away from gas. The sign-up deadline for this deal is December 31, 2024. The bundle also includes a free 7-year warranty, servicing, and maintenance package worth £1,150 upon installation. The three-year tracker tariff provides six hours of discounted zero-carbon electricity every day, all year round, with two off-peak windows (4am to 7am and 1pm to 4pm), saving at least £364 against Standard Variable prices.
EDF also promotes other offers through its website, such as the opportunity to win money off an energy bill by signing up for their newsletter and setting marketing preferences to 'Yes' in MyAccount. Additionally, there is a £50 discount offer on a new BOXT boiler, which includes a next-day replacement service.
In summary, EDF Energy's Sunday Saver challenge presents a structured opportunity for UK households with smart meters to earn free electricity by shifting consumption away from weekday peak times. The programme is supported by practical guidance, a tiered reward system, and digital tracking tools. Other EDF offers, such as the heat pump bundle, provide further incentives for customers looking to manage energy costs and transition to low-carbon heating. All information is derived from official EDF sources, ensuring accuracy for consumers seeking reliable energy-saving opportunities.