UK households to be urged to use more power this summer as renewables soar

Incentives to absorb surplus wind and solar energy could help balance the grid and lower bills

• The UK needs more North Sea gas, not greater reliance on US imports | Nils Pratley

Households will be called on to boost their consumption of Great Britain’s record renewable energy this summer to help balance the power grid and lower energy bills.

Under the new plans, people could be encouraged to run dishwashers and washing machines or charge up their electric vehicles when there is more wind and solar power than the electricity grid needs.