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UK’s biggest energy supplier is paying customers to use less electricity tonight
Plus, find out what help you can get with energy bills
THE UK's biggest energy supplier is paying customers to use less electricity tonight.
Octopus Energy is encouraging customers to cut back on their electricity use during a one-hour window today.
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From 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM tonight (January 22), customers who opt into Octopus Energy's "Saving Sessions" scheme can earn credits for reducing their energy consumption compared to their usual usage.
For every kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved, participants will pocket 448 points, worth 56p.
The scheme, part of Octopus’s broader effort to balance the grid and tackle energy waste, was announced earlier today on the supplier’s social media.
Customers were urged to log in to their online accounts and opt in via the Octoplus tab.
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This isn’t the first time Octopus Energy has introduced innovative schemes to help its customers save money while supporting the energy grid.
Last year, the company launched “free electricity sessions” during periods of negative wholesale prices.
These events, which occurred during times of surplus renewable energy, allowed customers to use electricity for free and even receive credits for increasing their usage during the designated hour.
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For instance, if Octopus ran 14 such sessions over the course of a year, customers who took full advantage of the scheme could save around £17 on their annual energy bills.
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While the savings might not seem enormous, these initiatives have a broader purpose: reducing waste and making the most of renewable energy during times of high supply.
In 2023, Britain experienced a record-breaking 214 hours of negative wholesale power prices, averaging over half an hour a day, according to Drax Electric Insights.
These price drops usually occur on windy days or when energy supply outstrips demand.
During such periods, wind farms are often paid not to generate power to prevent overloading the grid—a costly solution that cost over £300 million last year in curtailment payments.
To combat this waste, Octopus Energy is leading the charge in encouraging smarter energy use.
The "Saving Sessions" programme flips the script by paying customers to adjust their habits, helping to balance the grid while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
How does it work?
If you have a smart meter, Octopus will notify you in advance of a Saving Session.
During the designated hour, customers who reduce their electricity use below their typical consumption will earn credits.
Tonight’s session offers 56p per kWh saved, meaning a household that typically uses 5kWh of electricity in an hour could pocket £2.80 if they cut their consumption entirely.
While the financial benefits might not rival a pay rise, the scheme appeals to environmentally conscious customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint while earning a little extra.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief product officer at Octopus Energy, said: “This is all about making the grid smarter and greener.
"By shifting energy use to when it’s most abundant, we can make sure renewable power doesn’t go to waste.”
If you’re an Octopus Energy customer, it’s not too late to join tonight’s session.
Head to your online dashboard (not the app) and opt in via the Octoplus tab.
You’ll help the planet—and your wallet—at the same time.
What other companies are offering
When it comes to energy-saving schemes, the UK’s biggest providers each bring something different to the table, with varying benefits depending on your household's habits and goals.
EDF’s Sunday Saver challenge rewards customers with up to 16 hours of free electricity every Sunday if they shift their weekday usage away from peak times (4 pm to 7 pm).
The simplicity of this scheme, which requires a smart meter and half-hourly readings, makes it a standout for families looking to cut costs while sticking to predictable patterns.
Meanwhile, British Gas PeakSave programme provides half-price electricity between 11 am and 4 pm every Sunday, making it ideal for households that want fixed savings opportunities.
For those with more flexibility, the Green Flex scheme notifies customers of discounted two-hour windows when renewable energy is plentiful.
With over £14 million paid out to participants so far, British Gas’s schemes provide clear financial incentives.
Good Energy’s FlexiRewards programme, which doesn’t require a smart meter for participants with heat pumps or batteries, adjusts incentives based on grid demand and offers up to £20 a month in savings.
Meanwhile, Scottish Power’s Power Saver events and half-price weekends are designed to encourage renewable energy use, with bonus events notifying customers of additional savings opportunities.
Finally, Ovo’s Power Move challenge adds a gamified element to energy saving.
By challenging customers to minimise peak-time usage (4 pm to 7 pm, Monday to Friday), Ovo offers tiered bill credits of up to £12 a month.
This scheme is ideal for customers who enjoy working towards specific goals and are highly conscious of their energy habits.
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Each provider offers distinct perks, from fixed discounts to on-the-go flexibility.
Its important to compare what each company is offering to see which ones most benefit you.
What energy bill help is available?
There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
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