Bolton homes offered rewards to cut energy use this summer

The Ofgem-funded CoolDown scheme is running a trial in Bolton over the summer, inviting residents with air conditioning or cooling heat pumps to take part.

Households will receive notifications through the Equiwatt mobile app to temporarily reduce their use of cooling systems during short peak demand periods on selected evenings.

Participants can earn more than £85 in incentives through a combination of sign-up rewards, participation payments, and short surveys.

Their energy savings will be measured using smart meter data, with rewards based on their actual reductions.

Joanne Edwards, chief of staff at Equiwatt, said: “Equiwatt is delighted to be part of the CoolDown project, which explores how Bolton households 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 CoolDown are essential to understanding how flexible energy use can support the electricity network.

“Through the Equiwatt app, households in Bolton 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.

Other partners include Oaktree Power, Guidehouse Europe, Ricardo-AEA, Impact Research, National Grid Electricity Distribution, and UCL Consultants.

CoolDown is part of Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund, which supports efforts to accelerate the transition to a more flexible energy system.

The trial will explore how adjusting home cooling patterns could help ease pressure on the electricity network during peak periods, especially as climate change drives up cooling demand.

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.”

To take part, households must have a working smart meter and use air conditioning or a cooling heat pump at home.

Registration is open until May 1.

Eligible residents can sign up by downloading the Equiwatt app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.