The provided source material details a specific promotional programme offered by Octopus Energy, a UK-based energy supplier, rather than the broader categories of free samples, no-cost trials, or brand freebies typically associated with consumer goods. The information centres exclusively on "Free Electricity" sessions, a scheme where customers are encouraged to use additional electricity during periods of high renewable energy generation. The sources also reference a related "Power Tower" competition and a partnership with Ford, but the core subject is the free electricity offer. No information is present regarding free samples for beauty, baby care, pet products, health, food, or household goods. Consequently, the available data is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article on the requested topic. Below is a factual summary based solely on the provided documentation.
Overview of the Free Electricity Programme
Octopus Energy offers a promotional scheme known as Free Electricity sessions to its customers. According to the company's blog, this initiative is designed to utilise excess green energy on the national grid, preventing it from going to waste. The programme operates by inviting customers to use more electricity than their normal consumption during specific time slots, with the additional usage provided free of charge. The company states that customers have used over £3.6 million of free electricity through these sessions in 2025.
The concept is presented as a counterpart to "Saving Sessions," where customers are paid to reduce consumption during peak times. In Free Electricity sessions, the objective is reversed: customers are encouraged to increase usage when wholesale electricity prices are low due to an abundance of renewable generation, typically during sunny, warm, and windy periods in the warmer months. The source material notes that as winter approaches, Free Electricity events become less common.
How the Free Electricity Sessions Work
The operational mechanics of the programme are outlined in the provided sources. Participation is not automatic; it requires specific eligibility and sign-up procedures.
Eligibility and Sign-Up
To participate, an individual must be an existing Octopus Energy customer and a member of Octoplus, the company's rewards programme for smart meter customers. Joining Octoplus is free, but it requires a working electric smart meter and payment via Direct Debit or smart prepay. If a customer does not have a smart meter, they can request one via the Octopus website. Eligibility is typically granted once the smart meter is installed and the company has received a couple of weeks of usage data.
Session Notification and Execution
Once signed up, customers receive email notifications about upcoming Free Electricity sessions. A further email is sent the day before an event, specifying the time slot, which is generally a one-hour period in the afternoon. During the session, customers are advised to use more electricity for tasks such as running appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, vacuum cleaner), charging an electric vehicle (EV), or using a heat pump or immersion heater.
Post-Session Process and Credits
Following a session, Octopus emails the customer with a summary of how much extra power was used compared to their normal consumption. Within two weeks, the monetary value of this additional usage is paid into the customer's account as a bill credit. The sources mention that if meter readings cannot be obtained, an average credit may be applied.
Important Distinctions and Variations
The documentation clarifies several important distinctions regarding the programme's scope and applicability.
Comparison with Other Octopus Schemes
It is explicitly stated that Free Electricity sessions are not the same as "Power-ups." While Power-ups are available only in particular areas, Free Electricity sessions are open to all eligible Octoplus customers. Furthermore, customers on Agile tariffs (where prices change every half-hour) can also participate, but the benefit depends on the current energy price. If the price is negative, the power is already better than free, and no additional credit is applied. If the price is positive, participation is welcome.
Geographic and Tariff Specifics
The sources indicate that a similar programme called "Flex Sessions" has been launched by Octopus Energy in Texas, USA. This programme operates on a pilot basis, providing free energy supply during times of renewable energy surges. The Texas scheme includes a distinction: while the energy supply is free, customers are still charged the TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) volumetric charge. This detail is not mentioned in the UK context, and the UK sources focus solely on the free electricity supply.
Intelligent Octopus Tariffs
For customers on specific tariffs such as Intelligent Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus Flux, the process is noted to be different. However, the provided sources do not contain the specific details of how these tariffs interact with the Free Electricity sessions.
The Power Tower Competition
The Free Electricity programme is linked to a competition called the "Power Tower." This is a collective milestone challenge where Octopus customers collectively use a certain amount of free power. When milestones are reached, prizes are released. The sources list potential prizes, which include:
- A 25% flash sale on Shoptopus (Octopus merchandise store)
- Free sausage rolls for 8,000 winners (in partnership with Greggs)
- 8,000 Octopus plushies
- Double or triple hour free electricity sessions
- A £5,000 charity donation
- A mystery box of goodies
- A Ford Puma Gen-E Premium electric vehicle worth £35,000
The Power Tower is accessible via the customer's dashboard and app. Winners are contacted via email. Specific terms and conditions for the competition are available on the Octopus website, including details for the Greggs sausage roll offer, such as participating shop exclusions and usage restrictions.
Conclusion
The provided source material offers a comprehensive look at Octopus Energy's Free Electricity programme, a promotional offer specific to the energy sector. It details the eligibility requirements, which centre on being an Octopus Energy customer with a smart meter and enrolled in the Octoplus rewards scheme. The process involves receiving email notifications, using extra electricity during specified sessions, and receiving a bill credit for the additional usage. The programme is seasonal, with fewer events in winter, and is linked to a wider "Power Tower" competition offering various prizes. The information is limited to this energy-specific promotion and does not extend to the broader categories of consumer free samples, trials, or brand freebies.