Octopus Energy Holds "Octopus Energy Talks #1"! From the AI Era and Energy Security to Electricity Bills

Octopus Energy, ranked first in growth rate in 2024 among the top 30 electricity companies [1], held a talk session titled "Octopus Energy Talks #1" on Monday, June 29, 2026, in a live recording format.

The talk session of "Octopus Energy Talks #1" (from left: Octopus Energy CEO Hidehiro Nakagami, Ken Ishida, DJ Nobby)

Against the backdrop of the spread of AI, the rapid expansion of data centers, and increasing geopolitical risks including the situation in the Middle East, energy is a crucial foundation supporting not only our lives but also society and industry. Meanwhile, a survey conducted by our company revealed that approximately 60% of consumers feel anxious about their electricity bills, yet many do not fully understand their contracts or pricing plans and responded that they "haven't taken any specific action."

Reference Material: While anxious about electricity bills, about 60% respond "haven't done anything"

Based on this gap between "anxiety" and "action," this event was held with the aim of providing consumers with an opportunity to think about energy as a personal issue, by connecting electricity prices not just to household finances but also to societal changes.

On the day, Ken Ishida, news commentator and editor-in-chief of The HEADLINE; DJ Nobby, radio DJ and economic program personality; and Hidehiro Nakagami, CEO of Octopus Energy, discussed the changing energy environment and how consumers should approach it going forward.

Furthermore, an archived video of this talk session is available on the official Octopus Energy YouTube channel.

Viewing URL: https://octo.ps/4blGwjM

"Electricity Needs a Story Now"

The session discussed how the electricity landscape is at a major turning point, driven by the spread of AI and data centers, and the growing interest in energy security.

Ishida pointed out, "Renewable energy has often been discussed in the context of "for the environment" until now, but considering the spread of AI and data centers, and changes in global affairs, the time has come to discuss it from the perspective of stable supply."

He added, "Electricity needs a story now. By conveying not just price comparisons, but the background and societal connections behind why we need to think about energy now, perhaps it will lead to people taking action." He also touched upon the role the media should play, emphasizing the importance of viewing energy as a challenge for society as a whole.

"Anxiety Alone Doesn't Lead to Action"

Next, the discussion addressed the situation where, despite rising anxiety about electricity bills, many consumers do not fully understand their contracts and pricing plans.

DJ Nobby stated, "Electricity is often taken for granted, but due to changes in global affairs, it is closely linked to our daily lives."

He also said, "The first step is to become interested in it as something related to your own life, rather than as a difficult social issue." He conveyed the importance of organizing energy topics, which can become technical, from a consumer's perspective and thinking of them not as "difficult social issues" but as "themes connected to one's own life."

Before "Just Saving Money." The Options of "Knowing" and "Choosing"

Nakagami urged, "When it comes to electricity bill countermeasures, saving electricity often gets the spotlight, but that's not all. First, reviewing which company you are contracted with and which pricing plan you are using is paramount when considering the impact on your household finances."

He also explained that it is important to choose a pricing plan that suits your lifestyle, rather than relying solely on saving money. As a specific example, he introduced "Simple Octopus," which features a simple pricing structure with a basic charge and fuel cost adjustment fee of 0 yen, demonstrating an approach to creating an environment where consumers can make informed choices.

Reference Information: "Simple Octopus" Pricing Plan

He further stated his future vision: "We want to expand an environment where consumers can understand and choose options that suit them, rather than assuming they have to make sacrifices."

Regarding renewable energy, he commented, "Renewable energy will likely attract even more attention in the future not only for its environmental benefits but also for its value as a stably supplied energy source domestically."

Let's Talk More About Electricity

Octopus Energy will continue to provide information and dialogue through "Octopus Energy Talks" to give consumers opportunities to think about energy as a personal issue.

A scene from the "Octopus Energy Talks #1" talk session. Ken Ishida, DJ Nobby, and Octopus Energy CEO Hidehiro Nakagami discuss how to approach electricity bills and energy in the future. Ken Ishida, News Commentator / Editor-in-Chief of The HEADLINE. "Electricity Needs a Story Now," he said, raising the importance of considering energy as a societal issue.

In the Q&A session, speakers and attending media exchanged opinions on information dissemination and choices for consumers to consider energy as a personal issue. Commemorative photo with the speakers (from left: Octopus Energy CEO Hidehiro Nakagami, Ken Ishida, DJ Nobby).

Speaker Profiles

Ken Ishida

News Commentator / Editor-in-Chief of The HEADLINE

Born in Tokyo in 1989. Completed a Master's program at the Graduate School of Political Science, Waseda University. Editor-in-Chief of the news media "The HEADLINE." Provides news commentary on politics, economics, technology, and social issues for various media outlets. Serves as a visiting lecturer at Waseda University (2023 academic year) and lectures at Keio University, Hirosaki University, and others. Author of "Counter Elite" (Bungeishunju, 2025).

DJ Nobby

Radio DJ / Economic Caster / Financial Compliance Expert

Has over 110,000 followers on Voicy and disseminates economic and financial news on programs for Radio Kansai and over 300 community FM stations nationwide. After working in foreign exchange dealing and compliance in the financial industry, he established Nihon Onkyo Kōkoku Co., Ltd. in 2023 and serves as its representative director.

Hidehiro Nakagami

CEO of Octopus Energy

Born in Tokyo. Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Keio University, and obtained an MBA from the University of Southern California. Joined Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. in 1997, where he held positions in LNG procurement, overseas business, and corporate planning. After serving as Deputy General Manager of the New York Office and General Manager of the Manila Office, he became involved in renewable energy business from 2022.

Appointed CEO of Octopus Energy in April 2026.

Archived Video

The day's events are available on the official Octopus Energy YouTube channel. Viewing URL: https://octo.ps/4blGwjM

About Octopus Energy Talks

Octopus Energy Talks is a talk session that engages in dialogue from diverse perspectives on the intersection of daily life, society, and energy.

Octopus Energy views electricity service not merely as a living infrastructure, but as a form of "lifestyle" that can transform into a variety of experiences through consumer choices. We aim to contribute to a better energy future through the dissemination of easily discussable information and dialogue. We will continue to hold "Octopus Energy Talks" to create a space where consumers, experts, and companies can think about energy together.

[1] Data Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Electricity Survey Statistics Table [3-(1) Electricity Demand Actual Results] for low-voltage lighting electricity demand (kWh) in 2024 and 2025. The top 30 companies refer to the top 30 companies by total low-voltage lighting electricity demand in 2025. Growth rate is calculated by subtracting 1 after dividing the total low-voltage lighting electricity demand in 2025 by the total low-voltage lighting electricity demand in 2024. For Octopus Energy, the growth rate compared to 2024 is 63%.

About Octopus Energy Octopus Energy (Headquarters: UK) is on a mission to provide green energy at low prices using technology and transform the customer experience through transparent services. Since starting operations in the UK in 2016, in just 9 years, we have provided electricity from renewable sources to approximately 10 million households worldwide.

Currently, we operate electricity retail businesses in 8 countries including the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, New Zealand, and the US, as well as Japan. In Japan, we established a joint venture with Tokyo Gas in 2021 and began operations.

In Japan, we have continued to grow rapidly, surpassing 500,000 contracts in four years since starting operations. 86% of our customers feel that "their electricity bills have become cheaper," and our service design, which is based on a consumer perspective, is supported by a Google review rating of ★4.4.

Official Website: https://octopusenergy.co.jp/

Official Blog: https://octopusenergy.co.jp/blogs