Over the past four years, Octopus Energy has solidified its position in the German market, reaching a customer base of nearly 500,000.
How was this milestone achieved? Through a range of products that not only include electric vehicle (EV) charging but also focus on energy efficiency to ensure optimal, sustainable, and economical operations.
Moreover, a year ago, the firm began offering smart charging solutions.
“The company’s goal is to provide clean energy to as many people as possible at a fair price,” states Bastian Gierull, CEO of Octopus Energy Germany, to Mobility Portal Europe.
He emphasises: “There are no tricks or hidden contracts, it is as convenient as possible.”
In light of the risk of power grid collapses and potential blackouts, especially due to the increasing demand from the mass adoption of EVs on the electrical infrastructure, Octopus Energy’s strategy goes further.
As an installer of advanced energy technology, the company aims to promote the adoption of smart meters in the German market.
Currently, according to the company’s representative, the implementation of these devices in the country lags behind other European countries, with coverage of around one per cent.
In contrast, Great Britain has about 70 per cent coverage, while France and Italy have nearly 90 to 100 per cent penetration.
What is the advantage of this technology? The optimisation of consumption and domestic energy management.
As it is also “key to creating an extensive new energy system,” especially in an older system like Germany’s.
The implementation of clean power allows for flexibility that the traditional model does not offer, resulting in more economical rates.
“Therefore, when we have abundant green energy, we encourage its use, and when it is scarce, we promote energy savings,” explains Gierull.
However, to achieve this, it is crucial to have a smart meter that allows the user to know their consumption at a specific moment, thus facilitating efficient power distribution between the home and the EV.
In this context, the company introduces Intelligent Octopus Go to the market, a system that optimises both the grid and costs.
This solution allows the car to be automatically charged when demand is lower and electricity prices are cheaper, offering users the opportunity to take advantage of lower rates.
This initiative also contributes to stabilising the power grid by encouraging consumption at strategic times.
“It removes all responsibility and challenges for the user,” stresses Bastian Gierull.
Octopus Energy introduces “Zero Bills at Home” to the market
In a move towards energy self-sufficiency, the company plans to launch its “Zero Bills at Home” concept in Germany.
This custom model, already successfully established in the United Kingdom (UK), guarantees homeowners five years without energy costs.
It is based on the installation of rooftop solar panels, storage batteries, heat pumps, and smart meters, all integrated into a technological platform that optimises both generation and consumption.
“Customers can be assured that their homes will be fully energised without additional costs during the five-year period,” explains the company representative.
This includes EV charging, lighting, appliances, and heating, all operating with green and renewable energy.
How? Through a platform that allows the user to optimise energy generation, consumption, purchase, and sale to the grid.
“By mid-July, we will launch our first model in Germany, while in the UK we have between 500 and 1,000 installations planned,” anticipates the CEO.
It is worth noting that Octopus Energy began operations in 2016 as a small energy retailer in the UK, becoming a leader in that market.
The company is built on three fundamental pillars.
The first is to remain a major traditional energy retailer with a strong focus on fair pricing and a customer-centric mentality.
The second is flexibility, primarily through smart tariffs such as Intelligent Octopus.
The third centres on the intelligent installation and integration of clean technologies, ranging from heat pumps to chargers and solar panels.
