Customers reacted favourably to the company’s decision. Credit: Andreas Gückholrn.

Octopus Energy is set to pay its UK customers to use electricity during the day as a result of an increase in solar and wind energy production, according to the Guardian.

Octopus customers currently on the agile tariff will earn between 0.22p and 3.3p per kWh of electricity consumed on Sunday, between 11 am and 4 pm.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

These negative electricity prices – usually implemented at night, when consumption is at its lowest – were introduced due to the coronavirus lockdown and the favourable weather that led to a power surplus.

Customers reacted favourably to the company’s decision. One Twitter user said: “Our grid is so clean today that we will being paid to use electric on Octopus Energy Agile. Free fuel for the EV in our driveway”

Another commented: “First time I’ve seen negative prices during the day from Octopus energy. Going to be making bread, doing washing and cycling battery to take advantage!”

 

 

As a result of the country-wide lockdown enforced by the UK Government to fight the global Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, demand for electricity in the UK has fallen by up to 13%.

The sunny, breezy weather meant clean energy sources produced more than half of the country’s total energy on Sunday. The Guardian reported that wind power constituted 40% of the energy produced in the UK, while solar power made up 20%. Fossil fuels produced 15% of electricity while coal made up 1.1%.

The country-wide coronavirus lockdown has also had a significant impact on markets, with electricity prices dropping to the lowest in 10 years.

Power Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Power Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Recognised with three 2025 Power Technology Excellence Awards, Hover Energy is at the forefront of intelligent microgrids and distributed renewables. Explore how its AI-enabled Microgrid Management System™ , strategic partnerships and networked microgrids are rebuilding the grid from the ground up for a more flexible, resilient energy future.

Discover the Impact