Octopus Energy reviews: Give your feedback

Umiamz

I switched to Flexible Octopus for my gas - 2.88p/kWh as opposed to Tracker's 3.9p at the moment. I could have saved a bit more switching to another provider but I'm generally happy with Octopus and would like the opportunity to easily switch back to Tracker should the wholesale price fall.

I agree completely with what you say about the Tracker forecasts, though.

Telegraph_Sam

Same thoughts - but for leccy? If I eat humble pie and abandon Tracker at present levels in favour of the least worst alternative that does not require a smart meter?

niktheguru

Octopus' flexible and fixed electricity rates are not very competitive. Flexible is sitting at 18.5p/kwh in my area with a standing charge of 23.3p. Better sticking with tracker (if not wanting a smart meter and octopus go/gofaster)

masonic

Telegraph_Sam said:

Same thoughts - but for leccy? If I eat humble pie and abandon Tracker at present levels in favour of the least worst alternative that does not require a smart meter?

There are still cheap options available that are not Symbio or other suppliers with CS concerns. As low as about 12.0p/kWh in my region (Neon Reef). I'm pleased to say my average unit price so far in May has been 8.7p, add on the daily standing charge and that takes it up to 12p.

[Deleted User]

Umiamz said:

How can you tell if your SMETS1 has been enrolled/adopted? I've signed up to n3rgy and can download consumption data - does that mean my meters are enrolled?

Yes, it would seem that your meters are now connected to the central hub (the DCC) and, if you switch suppliers, they should remain in a smart operating mode.

Gerry1

Telegraph_Sam said:

Same thoughts - but for leccy? If I eat humble pie and abandon Tracker at present levels in favour of the least worst alternative that does not require a smart meter?

I'd recommend Neon Reef if the price is right.  Still paying my mega-cheap variable rate, unchanged since Fen 2020 although not available for new supply.

Can't remember if you want E7 but AFAIK they don't offer it, but they're quite happy to bill an E7 meter at single rate.  No phone option but that hasn't been a problem.  Not a single peep about smart meters !

TheRedHerring

My experience of Octopus Energy has been as follows.  Funds were taken from my account two months after they acknowledged I was changing provider and no mention was made that I should cancel the direct debit.  Although the last energy statement gave a closing balance somewhat less than the monthly direct debit payment I received a further monthly payment notice seven weeks after the original acknowledgement.  I contacted Octopus Energy about this on that day and it has taken eleven days for the payment schedule to be closed and the direct debit cancelled.  Octopus Energy is supposed to have good 4.4/5 for customer service, I find this incomprehensible in view of the time it has taken to close the payment schedule and direct debit to be cancelled.

Telegraph_Sam

Neon looks "interesting" but the reviews provoked mixed feelings. My impression is that it is relatively easy to find positive reports on TP - from people who have just joined a scheme or have been customers for a short period of time.  The acid test is to read the TP experience of those who have subsequently decided to switch out, only to encounter all the obstacles you read about. I would agree that Octopus used to score highly on this - until a few months ago when it seemed that they had closed down their email service altogether, not in favour of phoning but to twittering. In a sense this "locks you in" for fear of having to contend with two separate co's involved in any switch. I would be prepared to pay a modest "premium" to avoid the likes of Symbio as reported, but doing so does not guarantee 4.5* service regrettably - unless you know something that I don't

Gerry1

Telegraph_Sam said:

My impression is that it is relatively easy to find positive reports on TP - from people who have just joined a scheme or have been customers for a short period of time.  The acid test is to read the TP experience of those who have subsequently decided to switch out, only to encounter all the obstacles you read about.

I never take much notice of TP because so many reports are obviously fake.  TP can be useful if there are numerous poor reports all saying similar things (e.g. Symbio) but otherwise the threads on this forum are more useful.  Did you read the Neon Reef one? I agree that you can't be certain until after you've left, but I always make sure I'm never seriously in credit.

Telegraph_Sam

I go along with that and give more weight to TP reports that are negative or middle of the road, accepting that there are also report writers that have a chip on their shoulders and go to the other extreme. Which is why I looked into Neon R in particular. Thus far the plus point for Octopus for me is that they have gone along with my maintaining a monthly +/- zero balance. I suspect that perhaps the majority of suppliers would baulk at this.