Carlisle households are being offered the chance to earn more than £85 by taking part in a new energy-saving trial.
The programme is part of the CoolDown project, which is funded through Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund and aims to reduce electricity demand during peak periods by targeting the use of air conditioning and cooling heat pumps.
Joanne Edwards, chief of staff at energy flexibility platform equiwatt, said: "CoolDown is exploring how households in Carlisle can play an active role in shaping the future UK energy system while being rewarded for taking part.
"As our summers become warmer and demand for cooling grows, initiatives like this are essential to understanding how flexible energy use can support the electricity network.
"Through the equiwatt app, Carlisle households can easily get involved, reduce their energy use at key times, and earn rewards for doing so."
The project is led by SP Electricity North West in partnership with equiwatt, National Grid Electricity Distribution, and UCL Consultants.
Participants will receive notifications via the equiwatt app asking them to reduce the use of cooling devices during short evening periods when electricity demand is highest.
Energy savings will be measured using smart meter data, and households will be rewarded based on their level of participation.
Rewards will include a mix of sign-up bonuses, participation earnings, and survey incentives.
Richard Moulton, Head of Innovation for SP Electricity North West, said: "Electricity networks must anticipate how energy demand patterns will evolve, particularly as higher temperatures drive increased use of cooling technologies in homes.
"CoolDown provides valuable insight into how this emerging demand can be managed more efficiently.
"By exploring new ways to balance the network during periods of strain, the project will help ensure we can continue to deliver a reliable, low carbon energy system while adapting to changing customer needs."
The project is designed to explore whether more flexible use of home cooling can reduce strain on the grid.
Ofgem says the trial is part of wider efforts to modernise the UK’s energy system.
Marzia Zafar, deputy director for energy systems management and security at Ofgem, said: "These projects showcase the kind of bold innovation that will be essential to modernising Britain’s energy networks.
"By supporting these initiatives through the Strategic Innovation Fund, Ofgem is helping to unlock system flexibility, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and ensure consumers remain central to the energy transition."
To take part in the trial, households must have a working smart meter and use air conditioning or a cooling heat pump at home.
Residents can sign up by downloading the equiwatt app and registering their cooling devices.
Registration is open until May 1, and spaces are limited.
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