Cheers! Pub bosses hail Octopus Energy for free World Cup power

As England bagged their best men's World Cup finish since 1966, hundreds of independent pubs in Britain got over £30,000 in free electricity through 'Watt a Save'

Pub owner says it slashed hundreds of pounds off their energy bills and gave them confidence to buy a second screen: “It's been a huge boost to the business”

YouGov survey found energy costs negatively impacted 74% of hospitality firms in the past year¹

Comes as the new Government announces a 20% business rates cut to help Britain's hospitality sector

London, 24 July 2026 - After England came third in the World Cup – the nation's best men's World Cup finish since 1966 – Britain's pubs were among the biggest winners, saving over £30,000 on their energy bills through Octopus Energy's 'Watt a Save' scheme.

More than 300 independent British pubs took part in the scheme, helping them cut costs while welcoming fans.

Like Happy Hour, but for power, 'Watt a Save' gave participating pubs free electricity between 7pm and midnight when England and Scotland played in the World Cup and venues were at their busiest. After proving so popular, Octopus extended the scheme to also include the final.

By the final whistle, participating pubs had used nearly 100,000 kWh of power during these free sessions – enough electricity to watch around 850,000 football matches on TV.

Some individual pubs saved hundreds of pounds throughout the tournament, giving them extra headroom to invest in staff, stock and creating the best possible matchday atmosphere for customers.

After huge popularity, the business is now looking to expand 'Watt a Save' to the Women's World Cup next year too.

A recent YouGov survey found hospitality firms are feeling the squeeze on rising costs more than other sectors, with nearly three-quarters (74%) reporting a negative impact from energy costs over the past year.¹

It comes as Britain's pubs and other hospitality businesses are set for a tax break. The government announced a 20% cut to business rates, saving a typical pub around £1,100 next year.²

Zoisa North-Bond, CEO at Octopus Energy for Business, said: “Pubs are the heart of our communities, so it's great to see the Government backing them with this latest business rates cut.

“Rising costs have hit hospitality hard, and every saving counts. We're proud to be doing our bit too – from our 'Watt a Save' free electricity scheme in the World Cup to smart time-of-use tariffs that help businesses lower their energy bills. The more money pubs can keep in their pockets, the better.”

Allen Simpson, CEO of UK Hospitality, said: “The World Cup has been a massive hit for pubs. 5.5 million pints were sold in the group games alone, and the 'Watt a Save' scheme helped pubs make that happen. Energy is a big part of the cost mix for the sector, so massive thanks to Octopus for being part of the team.”

Paul Harwood, owner of Birmingham Brewing Company Tap Room, says: “The World Cup has been so important for the pub industry. It was a time where we knew we were going to get higher footfall with people spending more money. We've saved hundreds on energy bills through the 'Watt a Save' initiative, but have made thousands more by being able to get a second screen and open on extra days. It's been a huge boost to the business.”

Declan Perkins, owner of Clissold Park Tavern, The Lauriston and The Regent pubs in London, said: “The World Cup has been one of our busiest times and it has meant hiring extra staff and increased drinks deliveries to meet this huge demand as fans turned out in massive numbers. As we've focused on giving our customers a brilliant experience, free electricity has been a real help.”

Will Raymond, who runs the Hare and Hounds said: “Running a pub means there is always something switched on. We have refrigeration running, the kitchen is electric, and when the football's been on, more people have been coming through the door. It's been good to have support like this 'Watt a Save' scheme during big matches. Anything that helps with electricity costs while pubs are hosting football fans is welcome.”

Beyond the World Cup, some pubs could benefit from cheaper electricity all year round through flexible time-of-use tariffs. As a lot of hospitality businesses tend to use energy in the evenings when electricity is cheaper, they could naturally make savings.

Octopus Energy's Shape Shifters: Trio offers lower electricity prices between 7pm and midnight and has helped businesses save an average of 7.5% on their annual bills. Shape Shifters: Agile goes even further with electricity prices updated every 30 minutes to reflect wholesale prices, rewarding those able to flex their energy use into the cheapest times.

About Octopus Energy for Business

Octopus Energy for Business launched in 2018 to provide companies with future-proof energy services, supplying them with 100% renewable and fairly-priced power.

Built to shake up an opaque market stacked against small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the team delivers simple and transparent pricing with no unnecessary middlemen. It has pioneered smart time-of-use tariffs - the first supplier to do so - helping small businesses cut energy costs by using energy at cheaper, greener, off-peak times.

With a predominantly SME customer base, the team supplies around 120,000 customers, right across from independent high-street businesses to the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal FC, Caffè Nero, Osprey Charging and Instavolt. More information on Octopus Energy for Business can be found here.

About Octopus Energy Group

Octopus Energy is a global clean energy and technology business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting-edge energy products to 11 million households globally.

The company is driving the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative clean tech, with operations spanning 27 countries and the entire energy value chain. It operates a £8.5 billion renewables portfolio as well as thriving EV leasing, heat pump, and solar businesses.

Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide. For more information, check out our website.

Images:

High-res photos can be found at this link.

Octopus pub customers have got five hours of free electricity on nights England and Scotland have played in the World Cup.

Declan Perkins's pubs Clissold Park Tavern, The Lauriston and The Regent in London are taking part in the 'Watt a Save' scheme.

The football being set up ahead at the Tap Room at the Birmingham Brewing Company in Stirchley, Birmingham

Fans gathering at the Hare and Hounds pub to watch the England v Norway match on 11 July

Footnotes

1. This survey was carried out by YouGov on behalf of Octopus Energy for Business, with 1,034 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) decision-makers responsible for choosing their business' energy supplier surveyed across the UK (excl. Northern Ireland). The survey was carried out online between 17 and 27 April 2026.

2. Press release: Burnham means business: PM slashes business rates bills for pubs, clubs and live music venues, 24 July 2026

For more information:

Octopus Energy Group

press@octoenergy.com

+44 (0)20 4530 8369

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