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Households are being handed the chance to slash their energy bills - with some able to bag up to 64 hours of free electricity next month.

In a fresh push to win over hard-pressed customers, EDF Energy is rolling out its 'Sunday Saver' challenge throughout May, promising free power whatever the weather. The scheme rewards households for cutting back on electricity use during the weekday peak between 4pm and 7pm - a period when demand, and prices, are highest. Those who shift usage outside these hours can then cash in with between four and 16 hours of free electricity every Sunday.

Over four Sundays, that adds up to as much as 64 hours free.

The supplier says the offer is already proving popular. Since launching in 2024, customers have racked up more than 22.5 million hours of free electricity - equivalent to around £7.2million in savings.

On average, households taking part are banking 18 hours of free electricity a month, giving a handy dent in bills at a time when many are still grappling with high energy costs.

The catch is simple: use less power during peak hours in the week.

EDF says even modest changes can pay off. Cutting peak usage by:

• 5% earns 4 free hours
• 20% earns 8 hours
• 35% earns 12 hours
• 50% earns the full 16 hours

Customers can hit those targets by making small lifestyle tweaks, such as:

• Ditching the tumble dryer and air-drying clothes
• Running dishwashers overnight or early morning
• Charging devices and electric cars outside peak times
• Batch cooking at weekends and reheating later
• Switching off unused gadgets rather than leaving them on standby

Sunday Saver is not the only giveaway on the table. EDF is also promoting its FreePhase tariffs, which hand out free electricity whenever there is a surplus of renewable energy on the grid.

Customers on the deal clocked up 37 hours of free electricity in just the past fortnight.

The tariff works on a simple three-band system:

• Green (11pm-6am): cheapest rates
• Amber (6am-4pm, 7pm-11pm): mid-range
• Red (4pm-7pm): peak pricing

Prices are updated daily in line with wholesale markets, allowing households to shift usage and cut costs further.

Households have until 11.59pm on May 3 to sign up for the May challenge, which begins on May 4. Free electricity can then be used on May 17, 24 and 31 and June 7.

To take part, customers must have a working smart meter capable of sending readings every 30 minutes.

Joe Souto, retail director at EDF, said: "Regardless of the weather, with Sunday Saver customers can earn free electricity every Sunday, and as we head into the warmer months, there's still plenty of opportunities to save on bills.

"Sunday Saver makes it simple for customers to flex their electricity use during busy weekday evenings, save money on their bills, and be rewarded with free electricity. This means customers can focus on enjoying their summer plans and not worry about their bills."

For households willing to shift when they flick the switch, the message is clear: change your habits - and the power could be on the house.