Households will be paid rebates on their energy bill if they cut usage this evening by avoiding using appliances such as their oven or shower between 5pm and 6.30pm.

This is the first time this winter that the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) will be used to manage Britain’s energy use amid concerns for electricity supplies.

The DFS works by paying households to cut use by turning off washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, electric showers and immersion heaters in the evening peak.