Watt a Save: How hundreds of pubs scored free World Cup power
The final whistle has been blown on the 2026 World Cup. And with it, on Watt a Save too!
The last pint poured, the last rendition of Wonderwall sung, the last certain song boogied to (yes sir).
Watt a Save gave participating pubs free electricity for Scotland and England games. That's right, free kilowatts while we cheered on the Scots. Free ions while we supported the Three Lions.
Now, we're looking into the impact. That’s right, it’s post-match analysis time! Just call me Meter Richards.
Over £30,000 of savings for local pubs. Back of the net!
More than 300 British bars, taverns and inns took part - all getting free power from Octopus Energy for Business.
From 7pm until midnight on game days, we covered all of their electricity. Unit rate and standing charge, taken care of.
Talk about free kicks.
Watt a Save
games:
12
£30,387
The amount saved by our pubs
Our top earned saved:
£509.10
£96.47
The average saving per pub
England’s long run to the semi-final kept the Watt a Save windows flowing. Scotland did their part too, giving us 3 of the games - including the 2am kick-off v Haiti. Glengarries off to the pubs that stayed open for that one!
Here's how the savings looked per matchday:
The pundits' view:
Listen, it was a tournament of two halves really. You've got your Scotlands, your Englands vying for dominance in the group stage. Then, as England pressed, our pubs put pints on an absolute tray for their punters. No bottling here (except the wine).
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Now, let's get the thoughts of the managers:
The World Cup has been so important for the pub industry. 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.Paul Harwood, Owner of Birmingham Brewing Company Tap Room
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.Declan Perkins, owner of Clissold Park Tavern, The Lauriston and The Regent
Here's why pubs needed an assist
Pubs are the beating heart of our communities. During tournaments like these, they’re our shared spaces. The site of joy, despair, frustration, nerves - together.
But, for pub owners, times are tough. Across the country, owners are feeling the squeeze from rising costs. Recently, we ran a survey asking UK SMEs about their business energy. Here's what people in the hospitality and leisure sector (which includes pubs) had to say:
67%
say energy bills are actively limiting growth and investment.
74%
say energy costs have had a negative impact over the last 12 months.
55%
are sceptical about the pricing offered by energy suppliers.
From an Octopus Energy for Business and YouGov survey of 1034 UK SME decision-makers, including 88 from the hospitality and leisure sector (April 2026).
We’re on the team of British businesses. So, we were excited to give these pubs a bit of deserved relief through Watt a Save. We’ll always strive to help SMEs thrive.
As the World Cup ended, PM Andy Burnham announced that pubs and other hospitality businesses are set for a tax break. This 20% cut to business rates would save the average pub £1,100 next year. With Watt a Save finished (for now at least!), we’re delighted to see the government recognising the need for more support.
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. The more money pubs can keep in their pockets, the better.Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy for Business
Here come the super subs: 3 more ways to lower your business energy bills 
Watt a Save was just for the World Cup. But Octopus Energy for Business customers get access to more offers all year round. If you're not with us yet but want to benefit, get your instant quote now.
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Published on
Pete McNally
Content Manager at Octopus Energy For Business