Energy & Climate
Cashing in
Green drivers go free with the UK’s first vehicle-to-grid tariff, from Octopus.
20 February 2024
As England prepares to face Argentina tonight – reaching the World Cup semi-final for only the fourth time in history – Octopus Energy has announced it will extend its ‘Watt a Save’ initiative right through to the end of the tournament.
This means pubs will receive five hours of free electricity for all remaining games, including the third-place playoff.
Hundreds of independent pubs across Britain have already cut their energy bills by almost £20k thanks to Octopus Energy for Business’s ‘Watt a Save’ scheme. Like Happy Hour but for power, it gives pubs free electricity from 7pm until midnight whenever England or Scotland have played.
Since the tournament began, over 350 pubs have signed up, helping venues hosting football fans lower their costs while keeping the World Cup fever going. Some have saved £40 in just one match.
So far, pubs have used over 77,500 kWh of electricity during these sessions. That’s equivalent to boiling the kettle to make enough cups of tea for every fan in the Atlanta stadium nearly 40 times over.
‘England’s incredible World Cup run has given fans plenty to celebrate, and we want pubs to make the most of every minute. It’s brilliant to see the savings our pub customers have been making on their bills through ‘Watt a Save’ and we’re now extending this right through to the final whistle of the last game in the tournament.’
ZOISA NORTH-BOND
CEO at Octopus Energy for Business
Tonight’s match is forecast to be a busy one for pubs across the country, with the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) predicting that more than 6 million extra pints will be poured.
New Octopus data reveal that football fans flocked to pubs during England’s dramatic victory over Norway last Saturday night. Electricity demand across participating pubs was 19% above normal at kick-off and reached a whopping 42% above typical levels by 1am, as celebrations continued long after Jude Bellingham’s extra-time winner.
Household electricity demand also surged 22% above normal at the final whistle. It remained elevated throughout the night as people celebrated and stayed up to see who England will face at the semi-final following the Argentina v Switzerland match in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A recent YouGov survey found hospitality firms are feeling the squeeze more than other sectors, with 74% reporting a negative impact from energy costs in the past year.
Eligible pub customers can still sign up here to opt in to the scheme.
‘The World Cup is one of our busiest times and it means hiring extra staff and increased drinks deliveries to meet this huge demand as fans are turning out in massive numbers. As we focus on giving our customers a brilliant match day experience, free electricity is a real help – and we’ve already saved hundreds of pounds through ‘Watt a Save’.’
DECLAN PERKINS
Owner of Clissold Park Tavern, The Lauriston and The Regent pubs in London
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