Introducing Turn Up Sessions
Get rewarded using energy when the grid is green.
The energy grid has to keep supply and demand in sync. But sometimes, there’s loads of lovely wind and sunshine powering up green generators – and not enough demand to soak it all up. When that happens, we actually have to pay those generators to switch off. That means clean, green energy goes to waste – and the costs end up on everyone’s bills.
That’s where Turn Up Sessions come in.
Instead of wasting all that clean energy, we’d like you to use it up instead. And get a tasty reward for doing so.
How does it work?
We’ll let you know when there’s lots of renewable power on the grid and give you a reward for using it - we might offer the electricity for free, at discounted rates, or even pay you to use it.
We’ll email you with a time slot and the reward on offer so that you know when to use electricity. And don’t worry, you don’t need to opt in each time.
By shifting your electricity use into these windows, you’re helping the grid make the most of green energy, reducing waste and cutting carbon, all while making the energy system cheaper and more efficient for everyone.
How can I take part?
The best way to take part is by shifting your usual electricity use into the session window. That might mean charging your EV, running a load of laundry, or turning on your immersion heater at that time.
We’re not asking you to use more energy overall, just to use it at a time when it’s most helpful for the grid.
How are rewards calculated?
It depends on the session.
We’ll email you the reward, such as discounted rates, free electricity, or a payment, and your usage in that window will determine what you get. We’ll then send a summary of what you’ve used and what you’ve earned.
FAQs
What are Turn Up Sessions?
Turn Up Sessions are a part of a trial programme with Centre for Net Zero where we invite selected customers to shift their electricity use into specific time windows, usually when there’s lots of green energy on the grid, like during particularly windy or sunny periods. Depending on the session, we may offer free electricity, discounted rates, or even payments. It’s all about using clean energy when it’s most abundant and helping the grid stay balanced.
What is the purpose?
Turn Up Sessions are a part of a trial programme with We're always looking for new ways to make the grid greener and more flexible. By encouraging energy use when there’s abundant renewable power available, like on particularly windy or sunny days, we can reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and save money across the system.
How long will the Turn Up Sessions be running?
The Programme is running for around two months with around 5 sessions, but we’re hoping to roll out more of this kind of flexibility in future if it works well.
Will Turn Up Sessions change my regular energy bill or tariff?
Nope! Your usual tariff and rates stay exactly the same. You just get extra rewards if you take part in specific Turn Up sessions.
Why are we reaching out to you?
You’ve been randomly chosen from our smart meter customers to take part in this pilot Programme that helps make the most of renewable energy when it’s abundant. We’re running small events where we’ll invite people to use more electricity at specific times, supporting the grid while reducing waste.
Why should you take part?
During certain sessions, you'll get paid to use more power during green energy surges, help reduce waste, and support a greener grid.
How can I take part in a Turn Up Session?
When you get an email about a Turn Up session, the best way to take part is by shifting electricity use into the session window, not using more overall. That could mean running the washing machine or dishwasher a bit earlier or later than usual, or plugging in your EV to charge during the window. The more electricity you shift into the time we’re asking for, the more you could benefit, whether that’s through free electricity, discounts, or payments.
How can I join in the fun?
There’s no need to sign up, customers are randomly selected from those with a working smart meter that sends us half-hourly readings. If you're eligible and selected, we’ll email you with everything you need to know about upcoming sessions and any rewards on offer.
How often will I receive these notifications?
It varies! These sessions depend on weather, grid conditions, and where you live, sometimes there may be a few in a week, sometimes none for a while.
Are there specific requirements to participate?
All you need is a smart meter to be eligible for a session. We'll handle the rest, and let you know when to take part.
How can I take part in a Turn Up session?
The best way to take part is to shift some of your usual electricity use into the session window, for example, by running your washing machine, dishwasher, or charging your EV during that time instead of earlier or later. We’re not asking you to use more electricity overall, just to use it at a time when it’s most helpful for the grid. The more you can shift into the window, the more you could benefit.
Do I need to opt in to take part?
Nope, there’s no need to opt in. If you’re chosen for a session, we’ll email you with the details. Whatever electricity you use during the session window will automatically count toward the reward we’ve offered, whether that’s a discount, free energy, or a payment.
What time are Turn Up Sessions likely to be?
Turn Up Sessions could happen at any time there's extra renewable electricity in your area. This could be in the middle of the day, when solar is high, or could be in the middle of the night when it's super windy.
Can I join a Turn Up Session with smart tariffs like Intelligent Octopus?
Yep, you’ll still be invited. Your Intelligent Octopus schedule won’t automatically change, so if you want to charge your car during the Turn Up Session, you’ll need to boost and end the charge yourself.
That's important, as you'll be charged at peak rate if you keep boosting after the Turn Up session ends!
Cars on Intelligent Octopus are already part of grid balancing initiatives. Because you’re already getting the cash benefit of using energy flexibly, some networks won’t cover the cost of your free power ongoing. We’re happy to include you for now, but at any time, we could decide to change how Intelligent drivers can join in.
Will I be able to track my progress through the app and dashboard?
Turn Up Sessions are brand new, and we’re starting small. There’ll be no specific progress page or app for this just yet.
We’ll email you to let you know how you’re doing after a few sessions. As it grows, this might change.
Published on 18th June 2025 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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