Octopus Energy for Business is offering eligible pubs five hours of free electricity on nights when England and Scotland play during the World Cup.
The initiative, called “Watt a Save”, will provide free power from 7pm to midnight on qualifying match nights for pubs that are on an Octopus Energy for Business tariff and have a smart meter.
The offer is aimed at hospitality businesses showing England and Scotland matches during the tournament, as pubs face continued pressure from energy costs and wider operating expenses.
Octopus Energy free electricity offer targets pubs during World Cup
The Octopus Energy free electricity offer is designed to support pubs during evening match periods, when venues are likely to be busier and energy use may increase through lighting, refrigeration, kitchen equipment and screen use.
Octopus said participating pubs could make additional savings by shifting some energy-intensive tasks into the 7pm to midnight window, including cooling kegs and powering large screens for match coverage.
Eligible pub customers must opt in to the scheme to take part.
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO at Octopus Energy for Business, said pubs play an important role in bringing communities together during major tournaments and that the company wanted to help venues keep more money in the till during World Cup match nights.
Hospitality firms continue to face energy cost pressure
The offer comes as hospitality businesses continue to face significant pressure from electricity and gas costs.
According to Octopus, a recent YouGov survey found that 74% of hospitality firms reported a negative impact from energy costs over the past year.
Declan Perkins, owner of Clissold Park Tavern, The Lauriston and The Regent pubs in London, said the World Cup is one of the busiest periods for his venues and that free electricity on England and Scotland match evenings would help support matchday operations.
Smart tariffs and flexible energy use become more relevant for businesses
Octopus Energy for Business also said pubs taking part in “Watt a Save” can continue to use flexible energy through its Shape Shifters business tariffs.
The Shape Shifters: Trio tariff offers lower electricity rates between 7pm and midnight, while Shape Shifters: Agile updates rates every 30 minutes in line with wholesale electricity costs.
Flexible tariffs are designed to reward businesses that can shift some power use into cheaper or lower-demand periods. For hospitality venues, evening trading patterns may align more closely with some off-peak tariff windows than other business types.
The company said “Watt a Save” forms part of its wider support for local communities, including previous support for grassroots football teams across the UK.
Read more energy and technology innovation news in the Energy and Technology & Innovation sections of Climate Global News.
FAQs
Which pubs can access the Octopus Energy free electricity offer?
The offer is available to pubs with an Octopus Energy for Business tariff and a smart meter, provided they opt in to the scheme.
When does the free electricity apply?
The free electricity applies from 7pm to midnight on nights when England and Scotland are playing during the World Cup.
Why are smart meters needed for the scheme?
Smart meters allow electricity use to be measured in specific time periods, making it possible to apply free electricity or time-based tariffs accurately.
How can pubs reduce energy costs during match nights?
Pubs may be able to reduce costs by shifting energy-intensive tasks, such as refrigeration or screen use, into lower-cost or free electricity periods where available.
