Trying to get energy prices.

the_gardener_2

Octopus  have got a significant credit balance and will not hand it back.    I am not in difficulty and have a good job .  I can pay my bills. 
I am looking at switching as a means of getting a refund.  
  I tried to compare prices.   I called OVO.  They will not give me their ordinary variable tarrif prices.   Is this normal.   

Netexporter

What reason have Octopus given for refusing the refund?

Do you submit regular meter readings (or have a smart meter do it for you)?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

If you feel your credit balance is too high try raising an official complaint

https://octopus.energy/unhappy/

With an official complaint they have a greater incitive to resolve your issue compared to just contacting customer services. 

Whilst Octopus are like all big companies they generally seem (a bit) better than the rest in the energy supply market so probably worth sticking IMO. 

Alnat1

You could always opt to pay Octopus by variable DD, that way they wouldn't take any money from you until all the credit is used up. You would get more expensive bills in winter but it sounds like you are able to budget for that.

victor2

What reason have Octopus given for not reimbursing your credit balance?
This is from their website...

If we think you've got more credit on your energy account than you need, you'll be able to request the excess back as long as you've had an energy bill based on real meter readings in the last 14 days. To ask for your credit back, just hit the little button underneath your balance on your online account dashboard.

Edit: if you want to switch, some energy comparison sites are operating again, so head to one of those, armed with your actual annual usage in kWh for each fuel.

born_again

the_gardener_2 said:

Octopus  have got a significant credit balance and will not hand it back.    I am not in difficulty and have a good job .  I can pay my bills. 
I am looking at switching as a means of getting a refund.  
  I tried to compare prices.   I called OVO.  They will not give me their ordinary variable tarrif prices.   Is this normal.   

Just use their site for a quote. Which will be based on your area charges.

Simpler Energy (variable Tariff) 

Plan rates

Electricity

Day rate: 25.66p/kWh

Night rate: 17.55p/kWh

Standing charge: 67.39p/day

Tariff information label

Gas

Day rate: 6.01p/kWh

Night rate: 0.00p/kWh

Standing charge: 31.55p/day

Tariff information label

katejo

the_gardener_2 said:

Octopus  have got a significant credit balance and will not hand it back.    I am not in difficulty and have a good job .  I can pay my bills. 
I am looking at switching as a means of getting a refund.  
  I tried to compare prices.   I called OVO.  They will not give me their ordinary variable tarrif prices.   Is this normal.   

Can't you just log on and reduce your monthly payments? I am with Octopus and think I have that option though I haven't tried it yet.

victor2

katejo said:

the_gardener_2 said:

Octopus  have got a significant credit balance and will not hand it back.    I am not in difficulty and have a good job .  I can pay my bills. 
I am looking at switching as a means of getting a refund.  
  I tried to compare prices.   I called OVO.  They will not give me their ordinary variable tarrif prices.   Is this normal.   

Can't you just log on and reduce your monthly payments? I am with Octopus and think I have that option though I haven't tried it yet.

Or just change to "pay by variable direct debit". You'll have to email them to ask this, but it won't change your tariff and will cause them to use up your credit before taking any direct debit amount. Gives you cheap months through the summer, but you have to be prepared for larger amounts as winter approaches. I've done that for an Octopus customer - they email you each month saying how much the DD will be about a week before they take it.

Netexporter

I suspect the credit is based on estimated readings, which is why Octopus won't return it. It could just as easily be a large debit.

the_gardener_2

Thank you all.   No smart meter but  regular readings. .     Now over 1000 pounds after a recent meter read bill.   

Yes I called them and used the online request.   seems sad as I thought i could get decent service from Octopus.  

re Ovo   yes I found the prices eventually.   Sadly the staff were obstructive and unhelpful.    I guess like other call centre staff they are are under pressure to finish the calls.   
Sadly I tried the comparison sites and it seems as I am on the almost the best deal already.    Doing a switch to get a refund seems a bit desperate on reflection.   .    

bristolleedsfan

the_gardener_2 said:

Sadly I tried the comparison sites and it seems as I am on the almost the best deal already.     .    

Do you tick box within filters to show all tariffs including tariffs cannot switch to via switching site.