Octopus Energy - Credit File

marcuus50

Hi all, I was transferred to Octopus Enery when Avro ceased trading last year. I have since had a notification from Credit Karma that my score had declined. I logged in to find out why and it is because Octopus Energy have set up a new account and are reporting payment history etc as though it is a credit account.
I have not knowingly consented to this, nor did Avro do this previously. I have never known an energy provider do this and the opening of this account has negatively affected my credit score (with Credit Karma advising I not open any more for 6 months).

I havent signed a credit agreement and therefore cannot understand why a credit account has been added to my report.

Has anyone else had the same issue?

[Deleted User]

It's standard for utilities to report to your credit files and is detailed in their terms.

The decline in your pretend credit score is irrelevant. No one will ever see it and it has no impact on your credit worthiness.

fatbelly

Some utilities report, some don't.

If you're up to date with payments it shouldn't have any effect on your ability to get credit.

If you're uncomfortable with Octopus, then switch

y3sitsm3

fatbelly said:

Some utilities report, some don't.

If you're up to date with payments it shouldn't have any effect on your ability to get credit.

If you're uncomfortable with Octopus, then switch

Fat chance of that at the moment unless you want to pay double the current price cap.

Cunninghamster

I had a similar problem when Energy Point went bust… My credit score went down because British Gas opened up two credit accounts (one for gas and another for electricity - why this is treated as two accounts is another thing!). The problem I have is that I’ll want to move in April when this fix ends which’ll open another account again. I feel like we’re being unfairly punished due to a situation not of my making. 

Merlin139

Technically you maybe operating on a credit facility. I am in the same boat. Paid my 2nd DD to Avro in October and opened an account with Octopus expecting them to take a DD. They have set up a DD but are not taking any money until my Avro balance is migrated across. Still waiting for final bill from Avro.

Octopus said I can change DD set up so they take a payment each month if I want. Happy to leave it the way it is. I know how much I have used what it costs so know how much I owe them.

y3sitsm3

Cunninghamster said:

I had a similar problem when Energy Point went bust… My credit score went down because British Gas opened up two credit accounts (one for gas and another for electricity - why this is treated as two accounts is another thing!). The problem I have is that I’ll want to move in April when this fix ends which’ll open another account again. I feel like we’re being unfairly punished due to a situation not of my making. 

Your score doesn't matter and lenders aren't going to give two hoots about utility accounts being opened.

Shakin_Steve

Octopus don't appear on my credit file. I've been with them about two years. No search on opening account either.