British households will be urged to pre-heat their homes in the afternoon when electricity demand typically eases off, allowing them to take advantage of lower tariffs.

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) outlined this idea in its sixth carbon budget paper, detailing ways the UK can effectively reduce its emissions within the time frame of 2033-2037.

The CCC’s specific recommendation targets homes equipped with electric heating systems, particularly heat pumps.

The proposal urges users to opt for pre-heating during off-peak times, capitalising on electricity’s reduced cost during these periods.

According to the committee’s analysis, this approach could translate into not only environmental benefits but also economic gains for households.

Nonetheless, doubts have emerged about the underlying motives behind this recommendation.

Critics suggest the CCC’s emphasis on adjusting heating schedules could be rooted in apprehensions about the capability of renewable energy to meet periods of heightened demand.

According to a CCC spokesman, the practice holds the potential to be advantageous for households, ensuring that “homes will still be warm, but bills can be lowered.”

They added: “This is a demonstration of homeowners benefitting from periods of the day when electricity is cheaper. Using electricity to heat a home opens the prospect of choosing a time when prices are lower, something that’s not possible with a gas boiler.”