How does Octoplus from Octopus Energy work?

What is Octoplus from Octopus Energy?

Octoplus is a free loyalty and rewards programme for eligible Octopus Energy customers. Launched in October 2023, the scheme is designed to reward households that change when they use their electricity. By shifting your energy use away from peak times, or using more when there is a surplus of green energy, you can earn points, bill credit, and weekly perks.

Rather than relying on traditional points-for-purchases models, Octoplus focuses almost entirely on your home energy habits. The scheme acts as a bridge between your household and the wider UK power grid, paying you to help balance national electricity supply and demand.

Who can join Octoplus?

Not every Octopus Energy customer can sign up for the rewards scheme. Because the programme relies on tracking your exact energy use at specific times of the day, you must meet strict technical and account requirements to take part.^[1][2][3][4]

If you have a smart meter but it has lost its connection to the wider network — a common issue in areas with poor mobile signal — you will not be able to join until the connection is restored. Both standard domestic households and business customers can opt in, provided they meet the criteria.

How do Octopoints work and what are they worth?

The currency of the Octoplus scheme is the 'Octopoint'. You earn these points through various activities and can exchange them directly for credit on your energy account or use them to claim partner offers.

The exchange rate is fixed: 800 Octopoints are equal to £1. This means each individual point is worth 0.125 pence. Octopus keeps this conversion rate consistent, so you always know exactly how much your balance is worth in real money.

When you want to lower your energy bill, you can convert your points to credit within the Octopus app. By navigating to the Octoplus section, viewing your points history, and selecting 'Redeem', the equivalent cash value is applied to your energy account balance immediately. You can do this at any time, and there is no minimum threshold required to make a conversion.

Winter Saving Sessions: Earning by using less

The primary way to earn Octopoints is by taking part in 'Saving Sessions' during the winter months. These events usually take place on cold, dark evenings when national electricity demand is at its highest, typically between 4pm and 7pm.

Saving Sessions can take place through NESO's Demand Flexibility Service or through Octopus's own flexibility sessions. When electricity demand is high, reducing use can help reduce reliance on more carbon-intensive generation. Octopus rewards eligible reductions with Octopoints.

During a Saving Session, you are given a target to reduce your electricity use below your normal baseline. If you succeed, you earn points. To make a meaningful difference, you generally need to delay using high-drain appliances — such as ovens, tumble dryers, washing machines, or electric vehicle chargers — until the session ends.

Participation is entirely voluntary. Octopus will send a notification to your phone ahead of time, and you must tap to opt in. If you opt in but your plans change and you fail to reduce your energy use, there is no penalty. You simply will not earn any points for that session.

Power Up Saving Sessions: Earning by using more

While Power Down sessions ask you to cut back, Power Up sessions ask the opposite. In 2026, Octopus says Power Up Saving Sessions have replaced Free Electricity Sessions. They can be run when there is plentiful renewable electricity on the grid, rather than on a fixed April-to-October schedule.

When there is plentiful renewable electricity, Octopus may invite customers to a Power Up session. If you opt in and use more electricity than your normal baseline during the event, you can earn Octopoints. This can suit tasks such as washing, heating hot water or charging an electric vehicle.

For Power Up events, you must opt in before the session starts. The Octopoints reward can vary by event, and Octopus may change or add promotions, so check your invitation and Octoplus dashboard for the latest details.

Other ways to earn Octopoints

Beyond changing your energy habits, there are a few everyday ways to build up your points balance throughout the year.

Partner offers and weekly rewards

You do not have to convert your points into bill credit. Octoplus includes several partner offers and perks that you can claim through the app.

In July 2026, Octopus overhauled its most popular weekly reward. Previously, customers could claim a guaranteed free hot drink from Greggs or Caffè Nero. However, this led to a 'Monday morning scramble' where early risers claimed all the available drinks before others woke up. To fix this, Octopus introduced the 'Monday Scratchcard'. You now have all day on Monday to play a digital scratchcard for a chance to win drinks, cinema tickets, or perks from partners like Lidl, Uber Eats, and Krispy Kreme.

Other ongoing rewards include:

Partner offers change frequently, so it is worth checking the Octoplus tab in the app to see the current list of participating brands and any specific terms and conditions.

Practical trade-offs: Is it worth the effort?

The main trade-off with Octoplus is convenience. To make meaningful financial gains — pushing towards the £50 to £100 mark over a winter — you have to actively disrupt your daily routine. Delaying cooking dinner until 7:30pm or holding off on putting the heating on during the coldest part of a winter evening is not practical for every household, especially those with young children or strict work schedules.

However, because the scheme is free and carries no penalties for missing a target, there is no downside to trying. Even casual users who simply turn off a few lights and wait an hour to run the dishwasher can earn a few pounds over the season.

How to sign up for Octoplus

If you meet the eligibility criteria, joining the scheme takes only a few seconds. There are no forms to fill out, as Octopus already holds your account details.

Once registered, you will start receiving push notifications or emails whenever a Saving Session is scheduled.

Final verdict