Ovo says its customers can save up to £260 a year on energy bills by signing up to a new trial.

The energy firm is launching a scheme called Ovo Energy Experts.

People who sign up will get a free visit from an energy professional, who will give advice on how to slash energy bills.

The trial is currently only open to a few hundred homes in the South West of England.

Ovo said even simple energy measures - such as insulation for a hot water cylinder and low energy light bulbs - can cost up to £175 but generate a saving of £135 per year.

Customers who sign up also get a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which shows how 'green' a property is.

Ovo chief executive Raman Bhatia said: “Families are asking for help to cut costs and decarbonise their homes, and this is where our energy experts step in.

"Our free new service can support many more homes to unlock the savings that can be made from being more energy efficient this winter. We can’t wait to get started.”

A new scheme is open to Ovo customers in the South West of England (
Image:
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

For more information on the scheme, visit the Ovo website.

Separately, Ovo customers could make up to £100 by using power-guzzling appliances outside of peak times this winter.

The energy supplier has become the latest firm to sign up to the new Demand Flexibility Service, run by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO).

OVO customers will be paid for lowering their electricity use outside of busy times.

This could mean you’ll have to avoid using power-hungry appliances - for example, the washing machine or tumble dryer - during certain periods of the day.

Energyusage is normally highest in the evening, typically around 4pm to 7pm - although OVO said the scheme can be activated whenever the National Grid thinks it is necessary.

The trial will run from December 8 until March 31, 2023, and is separate to the OVO Power Move scheme, which works in a similar way.

Customers will be told by email what days the Demand Flexibility Service scheme is running, and the time of day.

If you are eligible, you will need to opt-in to receiving email notifications - and you'll need to have a smart meter installed.

OVO said customers can make a minimum of £1 for every kWh shifted below their target.

Based on these calculations, the energy supplier reckons the average home could earn around £50 in total, rising to £100 for bigger energy savings.

The money will be issued as credit to your energy account.

Other energy firms have signed up to the same scheme, including Octopus, British Gas and E.on Next.