The UK energy provider EDF offers a range of programs and potential freebies for its customers, primarily focused on energy efficiency, cost savings, and support for vulnerable households. These initiatives are not open to the general public or U.S. consumers, but are specific to EDF customers in the UK, often requiring a smart meter and participation in targeted schemes. The primary offerings documented in official sources include a free electricity challenge and a support program that can provide energy-efficient appliances to eligible customers. Other potential freebies are mentioned in relation to these support schemes, but direct public sign-ups for free samples or products are not a feature of EDF's programs as described in the available materials.
The Sunday Saver Challenge: Earning Free Electricity
EDF operates a program called the Sunday Saver challenge, which allows eligible residential customers to earn a credit equivalent to the cost of electricity used during specific free hours on Sundays. This initiative is designed to encourage shifting electricity usage away from peak weekday hours (4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday), thereby reducing strain on the national grid and supporting Britain's move toward net zero.
To participate in the Sunday Saver challenge, customers must meet specific eligibility criteria. Participants must be EDF residential customers living in England, Scotland, or Wales, aged 18 or over. A critical requirement is having a smart electricity meter that sends readings every 30 minutes. EDF must also have received sufficient electricity meter readings from the smart meter in the run-up to the challenge. Participants need to provide EDF with their mobile phone number to receive updates and messages about their progress and future challenges. Furthermore, the customer must have only one electricity supply point (a single Meter Point Administration Number or MPAN) and be on a tariff with one or two electricity rates.
The challenge operates on a monthly basis. Customers shift their electricity usage outside of the specified peak times on weekdays to earn free hours for the following Sunday. For example, by avoiding using appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, or charging electric vehicles between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays, a household can accumulate free electricity hours to use on Sunday. The amount of free electricity earned is calculated based on the customer's meter readings during the free Sunday hours. EDF multiplies the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity used during these free hours by the customer's unit rate to determine the credit value. This credit is then applied to the customer's account after the final free electricity Sunday of the challenge, reducing their next electricity bill or being added to a smart PAYG meter. EDF reports that, so far, customers have earned a total of 6,238,028 free electricity hours, worth £1.5 million.
To join the challenge, customers must register their interest. EDF sends a sign-up reminder when the next challenge opt-in window opens. The program is subject to terms and conditions, and the defined peak times of 4pm to 7pm are noted as subject to change.
Winter Warmer Shop and Customer Support Fund: Appliance and Energy Bill Support
EDF provides support for vulnerable customers through its Customer Support Fund, which is part of a £30 million winter support package. This fund is managed in partnership with Charis and is designed to offer direct financial aid and energy-efficient solutions to eligible customers facing hardship.
The Customer Support Fund can provide several types of support. It offers debt relief through agreed payment plans and can suspend debt activity for approved applicants. A key component of the fund is the ability to supply energy-efficient appliances to replace old or broken models, with the goal of helping to reduce an applicant's energy bills. These appliances can include items such as kettles, air fryers, and slow cookers. In addition to individual appliances, certain customers may also be able to apply for bundles of smaller products to help keep them warm throughout the colder months.
A related initiative is the Winter Warmer Shop scheme, which EDF confirmed it would relaunch to support its most vulnerable customers. Through this scheme, eligible customers can receive specific freebies, including kettles, air fryers, slow cookers, and energy vouchers.
It is important to note that customers cannot directly apply to the Winter Warmer Shop. Instead, EDF identifies eligible customers and contacts them between November and February. If a customer is contacted, they receive a link to choose the support that best suits their needs. EDF continues to identify eligible customers and offer support if additional help is requested during winter. For customers who are not contacted for the Winter Warmer Shop but believe they may qualify for assistance, the Customer Support Fund remains available for applications.
Other Support Options and Information
EDF offers additional support services for its customers. One such service is the Priority Services Register (PSR), a free UK-wide service that provides extra advice and support, particularly during disruptions to gas or electricity supply. Customers are encouraged to join the PSR and inform EDF of any essential medical equipment that requires an uninterrupted power supply. By joining the PSR through EDF, customers' separate electricity supplier, gas transporter, and water supplier are informed of their needs to ensure support during a power outage. Customers can join the PSR on EDF's website.
Furthermore, EDF provides opportunities for customers to win money off their energy bill by signing up for the company's newsletter. Customers can opt into this by setting their marketing preferences to 'Yes' in their MyAccount.
Conclusion
EDF's customer programs are structured around energy efficiency, financial support, and cost savings for its UK-based residential customers. The Sunday Saver challenge offers a tangible way for customers to earn free electricity credits by shifting their usage habits, while the Customer Support Fund and Winter Warmer Shop provide essential appliances and financial aid to vulnerable households. These initiatives are not open to the general public or U.S. consumers and are contingent upon specific eligibility criteria, such as being an EDF customer, having a smart meter, and meeting vulnerability or hardship assessments. For EDF customers in the UK, these programs represent significant opportunities to reduce energy costs and receive support during challenging periods.