You CAN switch suppliers

CookieRose

@[Deleted User] I told them what I wanted, and those are the prices they've given me, in writing.  IF the two people working for Octopus that I have spoken to have got it wrong, and they tell me at a point down the line that they want me to go onto DD, then I may consider it.  My main reason for leaving Shell is because I don't like their ethics, and their customer service is appalling. But I still maintain that it is indeed possible to switch, if you want to, despite current advice to stick - in my case - with a poor supplier.

[Deleted User]

CookieRose said:

@[Deleted User] I told them what I wanted, and those are the prices they've given me, in writing.  IF the two people working for Octopus that I have spoken to have got it wrong, and they tell me at a point down the line that they want me to go onto DD, then I may consider it.  My main reason for leaving Shell is because I don't like their ethics, and their customer service is appalling. But I still maintain that it is indeed possible to switch, if you want to, despite current advice to stick - in my case - with a poor supplier.

That's a perfectly good reason to switch - both are.

If you look at the threads here though, we have never been saying "it is not possible to switch" - in fact we've been advising people to call suppliers and ask to switch even when their websites seem to suggest it isn't possible.

ariarnia

hi cookie and sorry for us talking away. its just that your experience is outside the norm and we're probably a little likely to assume something 'different' is a misunderstanding or mistake on the part of here poster or the company (because thats the most common time someone comes to post)

i owe you an apology as well because when i read your op i thought you were trying to get people to ask for your referral codes to make money (so spam).

but its always good to hear whats happening for other people. and thank you for telling us the details of your tariff and what they agreed to. it would be good if you could update when you get your first bill to confirm if the people on the phone got it right and thats what you are being charged for a non dd account. someone else might find it useful to know one way or another for sure. 

[Deleted User]

Yes - to add my voice to that - it will certainly be good to confirm that Octopus are going back to their old ways and removing the payment method differential if this is the case.

That will help many people.

pochase

I think that the agent you spoke to has not realised that the way different payment forms are treated by Octopus have been changed recently from same price for paying after receipt of a bill and direct debit to a discount for direct debit.

CookieRose

ariarnia said:

hi cookie and sorry for us talking away. its just that your experience is outside the norm and we're probably a little likely to assume something 'different' is a misunderstanding or mistake on the part of here poster or the company (because thats the most common time someone comes to post)

i owe you an apology as well because when i read your op i thought you were trying to get people to ask for your referral codes to make money (so spam).

but its always good to hear whats happening for other people. and thank you for telling us the details of your tariff and what they agreed to. it would be good if you could update when you get your first bill to confirm if the people on the phone got it right and thats what you are being charged for a non dd account. someone else might find it useful to know one way or another for sure. 

Good grief no, I am hugely against any form of MLM - I have many friends who've fallen into the various traps out there over the years.  I've been invited to so many crap "parties" that I've lost count!  One of my friends, who I had previously thought was a reasoned and intelligent adult, started doing Ann Summers a few months ago.  I've had to unfollow her in a few places!

Spoonie_Turtle

Could it be that you're on Variable Direct Debit?  So the money is taken for actual usage, just like on receipt of bill so not a set DD, but via the DD mechanism so you still get the discount because it's cheaper for them to administer.

badger09

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Could it be that you're on Variable Direct Debit?  So the money is taken for actual usage, just like on receipt of bill so not a set DD, but via the DD mechanism so you still get the discount because it's cheaper for them to administer.

That’s what I wondered. Variable DD could explain OP’s figures. 

70sbudgie

The only thing I can think of is the flexibility of Octopus accounts. I can't see that I get a different rate for being on DD (although for a different area, mine are very similar to the OP's), and I am still able to make one off payments and change my DD value easily. I haven't paid the recommended DD value for a few years as I keep an eye on my balance and tweak or top up if I need to. Which tends to happen a few times close together after a change, while I work out what the new value is.

I recently had a(n email) conversation with Octopus about how they calculate the estimated use and DD value. My system has changed significantly within the calculation window, so the standard calculation would have me consistently and massively over paying.

CookieRose

Hello all!  So... the switch is now complete and I am an Octopus customer, here's to a better relationship with my new supplier than my last!

To confirm - the tariff rates that I've previously shared in this thread are CORRECT.  I am not obliged to set up a direct debit, and if I DO want to set one up, then it can be a variable one, billed on actual usage.  I spent time on a call with a CS agent from Octopus yesterday - mainly about the fact that the gas meter isn't smart, never has been, and apparently now never will be as original commissioning energy co (EDF) should have resolved it but didn't, and other suppliers can't change this now...any thoughts on that welcome! I'll get back to the point - she confirmed that the tariff is correct, so a third agent now verifying this.  

Via the app, the online portal, and the smart meter display, these are the rates I see.  Overall, I'm very happy!  Based on Shell's projection (which is inaccurate as we've made some significant usage reductions in the last six months), we will be saving approx £260/year (rates subject to change of course, but it's all relative), AND I'll get the £50 from my mum's Octopus referral.

The whole process took three days.  I am impressed!