**EDF to Provide Free Electricity to Customers During Wimbledon Finals Weekend**
Millions of tennis enthusiasts across the United Kingdom are gearing up to enjoy this year’s Wimbledon finals from the comfort of their homes, and energy giant EDF is stepping in to ensure customers can watch without worrying about rising electricity costs. As the iconic tournament prepares to crown new champions, EDF has announced a special initiative offering up to 22 hours of free electricity to its customers over the eagerly anticipated finals weekend.
A recent survey commissioned by EDF revealed that an estimated 29 million Britons are planning to watch the thrilling tennis conclusion at home. The research highlights that 80% of these viewers intend to create a lively ‘centre court’ atmosphere in their living rooms, complete with friends, family, and festive Wimbledon-inspired touches. With 22% of respondents planning to host gatherings, it appears that the social element of the sport is alive and well even outside the gates of SW19.
Food and drink play a central role in these at-home celebrations, according to the findings. Some 42% of hosts expect to serve an array of bite-sized snacks, while classic strawberries and cream – a Wimbledon tradition – will feature on 41% of menus. Sparkling drinks remain popular too, with 23% opening bottles of fizz to toast the occasion. Interestingly, nearly a quarter of party organisers are adding tennis-themed decorations to their homes, and an impressive 88% are set to don tennis whites in a nod to the sport’s traditions.
A major motivator for watching at home rather than courtside is expense. As many as 59% of those surveyed cited the cost of tickets and travel as the main reason for their decision. The statistics also show that more than a quarter had hoped to attend the finals in person, but missed out on the official ballot and have chosen instead to host or join a watch party at home.
However, the collective energy demand of these mini ‘centre courts’ may prove significant. EDF’s research indicates that 92% of viewers plan to use additional appliances throughout the weekend festivities. From increased cooking (44%) and extra climate control appliances such as fans or heaters (34%), to running additional fridges (28%) and projectors (19%) for a cinematic experience, it is evident that electricity usage is set to spike across UK households. Even simply keeping televisions switched on for extended periods (34%) contributes to higher energy consumption.
To address the potential impact on household energy bills, EDF is rolling out an innovative plan for its customers. Those already participating in the company’s Sunday Saver Challenge can earn up to 16 hours of free electricity on the finals Sunday, provided they reduce their energy usage during the usual weekday peaks in the preceding week. The scheme, which rewards customers for shifting electricity usage away from peak times, has already delivered nearly 10 million hours of free electricity and over £2 million in savings so far.
In an added bonus, all EDF customers signing up for the next Sunday Saver challenge will secure an extra Free Electricity Day on the Saturday, ensuring both headline matches and supporting fixtures can be enjoyed without financial concern. This initiative is designed to give customers the flexibility to use more electricity when they’re likely to need it most, with the aim of mitigating the extra costs associated with hosting friends and family.
Rich Hughes, Director of Retail at EDF, commented: “With the finals weekend being one of the highlights of the British sporting calendar, we know many will be inviting guests and trying to recreate that special atmosphere at home. With rising costs on everyone’s mind, these offers will allow customers to focus on the tennis and their celebrations, rather than worrying about their energy bills.”
With this move, EDF joins a growing list of companies finding innovative ways to support customers during major national events. As more people look for cost-effective ways to stay connected with the sporting action, such initiatives may provide a template for other businesses to follow in future.
Further information about EDF’s Free Electricity Days and the Sunday Saver Challenge is available on their official website. For now, British households can look forward to enjoying the drama of Wimbledon’s finals weekend without the added worry of an energy bill surge – ensuring the only things to watch are the rallies, the serves, and who will lift the trophy.