Octopus Energy has extended its weekend free electricity scheme through the winter. Octopus Energy Happy Hours will now run until 14 February 2027. The London-based supplier announced the extension on 27 October 2026, together with a new token system and occasional Saturday sessions.
The scheme gives eligible customers free power at the weekend if they reduce their electricity use during two one-hour sessions in the week. It is part of the company’s wider effort to shift household demand away from peak periods.
How the new token system works
Under the revised format, households earn one token each time they successfully take part in a weekday Saving Session. Tokens can be exchanged for free hours of electricity at the weekend, typically at a ratio of two tokens per free hour. Customers choose from a selection of one-hour weekend slots, or they can bank free hours and use them later, up to 14 February 2027.
Octopus said token requirements will change depending on wholesale market conditions, to keep free power viable over winter. As a last resort, some weekends may not have a dedicated Happy Hour. In those cases, the company said, tokens will always roll over.
Existing participants are encouraged to use up to two banked hours before Sunday 1 November. Any remaining balance will then automatically roll over and convert into tokens for the winter season. Full terms are published on the Weekend Happy Hours page of the Octopus Energy website.
Take-up since the summer launch
Nearly 800,000 households took part when the scheme launched during this summer’s eclipse, and Weekend Happy Hours began on 20 August. According to the company, it has since given customers more than 8 million hours of free power, worth over £1.7 million.
Octopus said customers rate the scheme 8/10 on average. It said 47% gave it a perfect 10/10 and 87% plan to take part again.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Customer Officer at Octopus Energy, said: “Our customers spoke, and we listened. The response to our Happy Hours has been phenomenal, so extending them through the cold winter months was a no-brainer.”
She added: “Whether you’re roasting a Sunday lunch, carving Halloween pumpkins, or powering up Christmas lights, we’re keeping the green energy flowing and helping households keep their bills down.”
Who is eligible for Octopus Energy Happy Hours
To take part, customers must meet four conditions:
- pay by Direct Debit or prepay
- have a working electricity smart meter
- be a member of Octoplus, the company’s free rewards programme
- be signed up to Saving Sessions, which rewards Octoplus members for helping to balance the grid
Part of a wider rewards programme
Happy Hours is the latest initiative within Octoplus. The company said almost 3 million households have joined the programme, and that customers claimed £19 million worth of rewards and freebies last year.
Octopus Energy supplies 11 million households globally under its own retail brand. It operates in 27 countries and has a £7 billion renewables portfolio, alongside EV leasing, heat pump and solar businesses.
Climate Global News has previously reported on Octopus Energy offering pubs free electricity during World Cup match nights, and on how Octopus became the UK’s largest energy supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How long will Octopus Energy Happy Hours run?
The scheme has been extended through winter and will run until 14 February 2027.
How do customers earn free electricity under Happy Hours?
Customers earn one token for each successful weekday Saving Session. Typically, two tokens unlock one free hour of electricity at the weekend.
Who can take part in Octopus Energy Happy Hours?
Customers must pay by Direct Debit or prepay, have a working electricity smart meter, be an Octoplus member and be signed up to Saving Sessions.
What happens to hours already banked before the winter changes?
Participants are encouraged to use up to two banked hours before Sunday 1 November. Any remaining balance then automatically rolls over and converts into tokens for the winter season.
Will there be a Happy Hour every weekend?
Not necessarily. Octopus said token requirements will change with wholesale market conditions, and as a last resort some weekends may not have a dedicated Happy Hour, although tokens will always roll over.
