Co-op transfer to Octopus

Alison69

I have received an email from Co-op Energy regarding the transfer of business. I telephoned them this evening to check that we will still be able to pay quarterly on receipt of a bill at the post office. They said that they presumed so but didn't seem to know. Having contacted Octopus Energy previously I was told they only accept payments on monthly direct debit. I do not want to pay this way (indeed my father certainly cannot do this) and certainly am not going to have a smart meter installed. Does anyone know what the answer is as I am going to have to find another provider otherwise and with illness in the family it is something I couild well do without. Thanks in advance.

smallblueplanet

Sorry don't know the answer and there's only a small amount of info on the Co-op website. Seems to imply it'll be free to switch out though.

https://www.cooperativeenergy.coop/customer-service/frequently-asked-questions/announcement/

Consumerist

In my experience with Co-op Energy, Octopus would be well advised to ditch Co-op's customer service department from day zero.

bristolleedsfan

Consumerist wrote: »

In my experience with Co-op Energy, Octopus would be well advised to ditch Co-op's customer service department from day zero.

That is exactly what they are doing


https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2019/08/octopus-energy-to-take-on-co-op-energy-s-300-000-customers-/?_ga=2.107507970.1075939064.1567090159-1758175823.1567090159

bristolleedsfan

Alison69 wrote: »

. Does anyone know what the answer is as I am going to have to find another provider otherwise and with illness in the family it is something I couild well do without. Thanks in advance.

Smart Meter not compulsory


"Payment Method"
the way you choose to pay your bill. This could be standard direct debit, flexible direct debit or credits for a Prepayment Meter.

MikeM

I also pay Co-op Energy quarterly on Receipt of Bill and wish to continue doing so.

Anyone know what other companies allow payment by this method ?

It saves all the nonsense of variable direct debits and claiming back credit for over payments.

tk47

MikeM wrote: »

I also pay Co-op Energy quarterly on Receipt of Bill and wish to continue doing so.

Anyone know what other companies allow payment by this method ?

It saves all the nonsense of variable direct debits and claiming back credit for over payments.

You can filter results on most comparison sites, including the MSE Cheap Energy Club, to show you such tariffs only
Choose pay on receipt of bill.

But if you were happy with the Co-Op, why change?

Will I still be a Co-op Energy customer?
Yes. You will still be a Co-op Energy customer. You will still receive 100% renewable electricity and your prices will stay the same. If you’re a member, you’ll still earn membership points. The good news is you’ll also get the benefit of Octopus’ best-in-class online services and Which? recommended customer support. Co-op Energy will continue to grow the customer base and deliver the Co-op difference that you value.


What do I need to do now?
You don’t need to do anything. It will take us a few months to move all customers onto Octopus systems as quickly and seamlessly as possible. There will be no impact to your energy supply. Please continue to contact your normal customer services line. Don’t contact Octopus yet, we will be in touch nearer the time with any information you need.

https://octopus.energy/blog/coop-energy-partnership/

MikeM

tk47 wrote: »

But if you were happy with the Co-Op, why change?

https://octopus.energy/blog/coop-energy-partnership/

Happy with the Co-Op you must be joking ! My fear is 'frying pan into the fire' which looks like a real possibility with the Octopus deal.

Octopus boasts about its Trustpilot rating but have a look at the 1 star ratings.

Then have a look at the smug Octopus YouTube videos

MikeM

Just got an email quote from Octopus and they are comparing their fixed price tariff with the Big Six variable tariffs.

That's not exactly fair is it ?

bristolleedsfan

MikeM wrote: »

Just got an email quote from Octopus and they are comparing their fixed price tariff with the Big Six variable tariffs.

That's not exactly fair is it ?

Does the email quote mention about its 24 month fix, is not the cheapest, standing charge is much higher than 1 year fix thus people paying much higher rate in year 1, kwh rate which is the same as its 1 year rate, is easily beaten thus even if prices went up elsewhere variable rate elsewhere probably still work out cheaper over the 2 years.

MikeM

The tariff they have offered is 'Octopus 12M Fixed' which I assume is 1 year only ?

They appear to have about 35 tariffs on current offer - all very similar and none substantially better than my current Co-op rates.

I will wait and see what they come up with when they transfer me