Just moved house and forced to select a fixed tarrif.

niffy

Hi Peeps!

We've just moved house, the house (3 bed, gas central heating, electric immersion tank) is much bigger compared to our previous property (2 bed bungalow with combi boiler). A baby is due any day now, so really we don't have much of an idea in terms of energy usage other than the one provided by the current supplier in a letter. I also know lots of other suppliers are pretty much not accepting any new customers, they are saying "stay with your current provider"

The current supplier is Octopus, we've had a single letter saying they are the supplier and the current tariff is Occupier Flexible Octopus October 2021 V1 (Electric 20.49p kWh, Gas 4.13p kWh.) This is their standard variable product.The letter states we're on the flexible and says we can set up our account online, however when doing this the only option is, their cheapest, Loyal Octopus 10M Fixed (Electric 38.28p kWh, Gas 27.22p kWh ) 

I can understand the letter unit rate is out of date as online they say Occupier Flexible Octopus October 2021 V1 Electric is 28.46 kWh, Gas 7.48kWh and the standing charges have increased (Electric doubled!)

Other suppliers are not accepting new customers and It looks like we have to stay with Octopus, who is forcing us on to a short term fixed with no option of remaining on a standard tariff. I need to call them to see what they say, but it's not looking good at the moment.
Can they do this?
Can I not stay on the current tariff?
Can I not pick the standard tariff?
Has anyone else encountered this?

The_Fat_Controller

Phone them

Ultrasonic

As above, phone them. You are entitled to stay on the current Flexible Octopus tariff and cannot be forced to sign up for a fixed term tariff.

pochase

You will not  be able to do so on their web site, just give them a call, you are on a deemed tariff which is identical to the their flexible tariff.