Free electricity – it sounds too good to be true! Well, that’s what Octopus Energy are offering their customers through their ‘Octopus Power-Ups’ scheme.
There are a few conditions for joining the scheme, so not everyone can apply. However, qualifying customers can use as much free electricity as they want at specific times.
Can I get free electricity from Octopus Energy?
To join the Octopus Power-Ups scheme you must:
- Be a customer of Octopus Energy. The good news is that switching is easy and free.
- Have a smart meter installed – Octopus also offer this to their customers for free
- Live in the selected areas in South East and East England
- Apply through the Octopus power-ups page
Why are Octopus giving away free electricity?
Sometimes, renewable solar, wind and tidal energy production exceed demand on the grid. Octopus wants to increase energy usage at these times to reduce non-renewable consumption.
To encourage people to use as much energy as possible, customers on the scheme get as much free electricity as they can use.
How does it work?
Once you’ve signed up to Octopus, visit this page to join the scheme.
You’ll be emailed ahead of the next power-up session, usually a day in advance.
During the given time period, all the electricity you use is free.
This means it’s the perfect time to charge your car or e-bike, run your washing machine, dryer and dishwasher, do the hoovering, charge your devices and more.
Your smart meter will record how much energy you use during these periods. Every few weeks, you’ll have the cost of that energy applied to your account as credit.
The sessions will be different in different areas, so you’ll be contacted when a session is running for your address.
I don’t qualify right now, can I still get free electricity?
Octopus has confirmed that the scheme will run for at least the next year and that they’re looking for more areas to add.
You can register your interest in the power-ups scheme coming to your area here.
If Octopus does expand the program to include your address they’ll reach out to let you know.
Octopus has also confirmed that the ‘Octo Assist’ hardship fund will be available to apply for again this winter. The fund offers bill credit and other support to Octopus customers struggling to pay their winter fuel bills.
With energy prices set to rise in October and again in January the news is welcomed by customers concerned about their fuel bills.
