British Gas is relaunching its PeakSave for Business initiative, giving thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to cut electricity costs by 50% during selected hours over the next six weeks.
The trial will return on Wednesday, 17 September, and run every Wednesday until 22 October. Participating companies will be offered half-price electricity between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., a move designed to shift energy use away from peak demand periods and toward times when renewable generation is stronger.
The scheme is part of British Gas’s broader efforts to encourage flexibility in energy use while helping businesses lower their bills. By incentivising companies to adjust consumption habits, the programme supports both cost reduction and the UK’s wider transition to a greener energy system.
British Gas said the initiative has already demonstrated clear benefits. So far this year, SMEs have collectively saved £236,000 through the scheme, compared with £57,000 in 2024. Nearly 60,000 businesses with smart meters have been invited to join the latest trial.
Matt Wood, Director of British Gas Business, said the strong response from previous participants made relaunching the scheme a straightforward decision.
“Our business customers are extremely important to us, which is why we’re proud to bring PeakSave for Business back this September following the huge success of our last event,” Wood said. “The scheme helps businesses save money and make use of cleaner, greener energy, and is another step toward cutting energy costs across the UK.”
Feedback from earlier participants has been positive, with SMEs praising the scheme for being easy to join and simple to operate. One business described it as “straightforward to register” and said they were “pleased to have made savings,” while another commented that it was “easy to understand and equally easy to participate in. We would certainly enrol again.”
The PeakSave initiative also reflects growing interest in demand-side flexibility, a strategy that energy providers and regulators see as critical to balancing supply and demand on a grid increasingly powered by renewable sources. By encouraging businesses to consume power during off-peak hours, the scheme not only reduces pressure on the system but also maximises the use of low-carbon energy.
For SMEs facing higher operating costs, the initiative offers immediate relief alongside a longer-term environmental benefit. British Gas has positioned the programme as an example of how commercial energy users can play a direct role in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts while protecting their bottom line.
Businesses interested in joining the trial are encouraged to check their eligibility and, if necessary, apply for a smart meter installation. More details on the scheme are available on the British Gas business blog.
