Big Switch Off Launches for 2025/26 Season

Fifteen teams, one goal: reduce energy use across the public service

The Big Switch Off Competition, a flagship initiative of the OPW’s Optimising Power @ Work programme, was officially launched on Wednesday, 3 December 2026 — marking an exciting return of this popular initiative.

This year, 15 Central Government facilities have entered the competition. Energy teams will focus on raising energy awareness in their buildings and strengthening the strong energy-saving culture that is synonymous with the Optimising Power @ Work programme.

Competing teams will concentrate their efforts on achieving the greatest possible energy reductions over the Christmas, New Year, and St. Brigid’s Bank Holiday periods.

Recommended activities include:

• Running energy-awareness campaigns in advance of holiday shutdowns,
• Preparing buildings for Christmas and New Year shutdowns
• Reviewing and optimising heating and electrical control schedules to ensure they accurately reflect holiday closures

These actions help reduce unnecessary consumption during traditionally low-occupancy periods — a key element in driving meaningful, measurable savings.

Past winners include:

• Mullingar General Hospital (2018)
• University Hospital Galway (2019)

This year marks the first time that Central Government facilities have competed for the title, adding an extra level of excitement and engagement to the programme’s return.

The Big Switch Off Competition forms an important part of the broader Optimising Power @ Work campaign. It also aligns closely with SEAI’s “Reduce Your Use” initiative for Winter 2025/26, supporting national efforts to promote practical and effective energy-saving actions.

With 15 teams officially entered, enthusiasm for the competition is high. The Optimising Power @ Work team encouraged all participants to embrace the challenge with energy and passion — and to create a sense of fun with their colleagues as they build awareness and positive energy habits across their workplaces.