The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is planning to launch a scheme to purchase plug-in batteries in bulk and hand them to families on lower incomes, according to The i Paper. The devices, worth around £500, act as a power bank for homes, charging when electricity is cheapest and releasing energy during the day when prices rise.
The batteries plug straight into a normal wall socket, so no electrician or expert installation is needed. Clean energy experts at Regen estimate the model could pay for itself in as little as two and a half years, far quicker than traditional home batteries that can cost £1,000 just to install.
Potential savings for households
Regen's analysis suggests households could save 30% to 34% off their bills over ten years if they move most electricity use to off-peak hours and buy a larger battery or multiple smaller ones. Windfall Energy, one of the firms selling the gadgets, says renters and flat dwellers could save up to £250 a year by using the battery. Actual savings depend on the electricity tariff, battery capacity, and how much energy can be shifted to cheaper hours.
Government initiative and eligibility
The proposal emerged from a Whitehall “sprint” over the summer and is part of a joint initiative between DESNZ and the innovation charity Nesta, aimed at identifying quick wins for the Warm Homes Plan. A Government source told The i Paper the batteries were appealing because “they’re so easy to deploy,” though bosses have yet to decide who will qualify for the scheme. Previous Warm Homes Plan grants are typically offered to households earning £35,000 or less, so a similar income threshold could apply.
Safety review needed
Current UK wiring rules do not allow devices to feed power back into the home, so before officially launching the scheme, ministers will need to carry out a safety review and change the law. A DESNZ spokesperson said: “We’ve cut VAT on electricity to give families breathing space. The Energy Secretary’s focus is working to bring bills down for good. And we are rolling out plug-in solar, which will be quickest to reach the market – helping to bring bills down for good.”
