The scheme financially rewards companies that can reduce their electricity consumption during peak demand hours (5-7pm) in winter months (November to March inclusive) . . . and so successful was the scheme that peak-hours reductions of up to 117 Megawatts in overall daily demand were achieved last winter. That represents savings equivalent to over 1,117,000 100-watt light bulbs being switched off at the same time.

305 companies took part in the scheme during winter of last year. It is available to all large electricity customers, and is run in liaison with all of the electricity supply companies operating in the market.

In addition to providing savings for the participating customers, the scheme has brought national economic and environmental benefits since lower demand at the peak period reduces the need for less efficient forms of power generation. The scheme is operated by EirGrid, with the support of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

This is the scheme's fifth year of operation. Rebate payments to date have totalled 5.5 million - and this does not include the further savings customers gained by reducing the amount of power used.

A successful series of regional workshops were held in autumn 2006 to ensure that companies were aware of the scheme and the potential savings available by participating. The EirGrid workshops were assisted by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), which provided practical tips on how customers could implement an energy savings plan. There was also extensive co-operation from independent electricity suppliers who informed their customers of the potential gains.