Switching guide
How to switch to Octopus Energy
Switching energy suppliers sounds like it should be complicated. It really isn't. The whole process takes about five minutes online, and you won't notice any interruption to your supply. Here's exactly what happens.
Get a quote
Head to the Octopus website (ideally through a referral link so you get £50 credit) and enter your postcode. They'll show you the available tariffs for your area with estimated costs based on your usage. If you know your annual kWh figures (check a recent bill), enter those for a more accurate quote.
Pick a tariff
Most people start on Flexible Octopus, which is the standard variable rate. You can switch to a smart tariff (Agile, Go, Tracker, etc.) later once you're set up. Not sure which tariff suits you? Take the tariff quiz or read through the tariff guides.
Enter your details
Name, address, email and bank details for the Direct Debit. You'll need to know your current supplier (so Octopus can handle the switch for you). If you have a meter reading handy, submit that too. It helps make sure you're billed correctly for the transition period.
Wait (Octopus handles the rest)
Once you've signed up, Octopus contacts your current supplier and arranges the switch. You don't need to tell your old supplier you're leaving. The switch typically takes 2-3 weeks. During this time, your energy supply continues normally. Nothing gets switched off, nothing gets interrupted. You won't even notice the changeover.
You're on Octopus
Octopus emails you to confirm the switch is complete. Download the Octopus app, set up your account, and you're done. If you used a referral link, the £50 credit appears on your account about four weeks after your switch completes.
Common worries
Will my energy get cut off during the switch?
No. Absolutely not. This is the biggest misconception about switching. Your gas and electricity flow through the same pipes and wires regardless of who bills you. Switching supplier is purely a billing change. Your physical supply is completely unaffected.
Am I locked into a contract?
No. Octopus has no exit fees on any of their variable tariffs (which is most of them). If you switch and decide you don't like it, you can leave whenever you want. Even their 12-month fixed tariff has no exit fees. This is one of the things I genuinely respect about Octopus. They're confident enough in their service that they don't need to lock you in.
What about my old supplier's final bill?
Your old supplier will send you a final bill based on usage up to the switch date. If you're in credit with them (you've been overpaying your Direct Debit), they have to refund you. If you owe them money, you'll need to pay the final bill. Either way, it's handled separately from your new Octopus account.
I'm on a fixed deal with my current supplier
Check whether there's an early exit fee. Many fixed deals do have them (typically £25-50 per fuel). Whether it's worth paying the fee depends on how much you'd save by switching. Use the tariff comparison tool to check Octopus rates for your area, then compare. If the annual saving is more than the exit fee, it makes financial sense to switch.
Do I need a smart meter?
Not to join Octopus. You can switch and use the Flexible tariff without one. But if you want to access the smart tariffs (Agile, Go, Tracker, etc.), you'll need one. Octopus installs them for free. Just book an appointment through the app once you've switched. Takes about 30-45 minutes.
What if I rent my home?
If you pay the energy bills directly, you can switch supplier without needing your landlord's permission. The account is in your name, so it's your choice. If your energy is included in the rent, you can't switch because the account is in your landlord's name.