I switched to Octopus Energy in 2019 and I’m still a customer, all these years later.
During that time, I’ve used Octopus for my normal household energy, charged an electric car at home and used some of the extras available through Octoplus.
Overall, I’ve been happy with Octopus, although that doesn’t mean I’d recommend switching without checking the prices first.
Here’s my experience.
What is Octopus Energy?
Octopus Energy is a UK gas and electricity supplier offering standard energy tariffs alongside a growing range of smart tariffs.
It has become particularly well known for tariffs aimed at households with smart meters, electric vehicles, solar panels and batteries.
You can manage most things through the Octopus website or app, including:
- viewing energy usage
- checking bills
- submitting meter readings
- changing Direct Debit payments
- comparing tariffs
- managing smart charging
- taking part in Octoplus rewards
For me, the technology side of Octopus is one of its biggest strengths.
My experience with Octopus Energy
I originally switched to Octopus in 2019.
The switch itself was straightforward and I didn’t have to do much beyond providing my details and meter information.
Since then, I’ve stayed with Octopus rather than moving away for another supplier’s introductory offer.
That doesn’t mean Octopus is always the absolute cheapest supplier, because tariffs and energy prices move constantly.
But I’ve found the overall combination of tariffs, app features and EV charging useful enough to stay.
Octopus Energy and electric cars
This is probably the biggest reason Octopus appeals to me.
I have an EV and use a tariff that allows me to charge much more cheaply overnight.
If you can move a large part of your electricity usage into the cheaper period, the savings can be significant compared with charging at the standard daytime rate.
Octopus currently offers Intelligent Octopus Go, which provides six hours of lower-cost electricity overnight and can smart-charge compatible vehicles or chargers.
For EV owners, I’d definitely compare one of Octopus’s EV tariffs against a standard energy tariff before deciding what to use.
Intelligent Octopus Go
Intelligent Octopus Go is designed specifically for EV owners.
Rather than simply plugging your car in and paying the normal electricity rate, Octopus can schedule charging when electricity is cheaper.
The tariff currently includes six off-peak hours overnight.
For somebody charging an electric car regularly at home, that’s potentially much more important financially than a £50 referral bonus.
Compatibility does matter, though. Intelligent Octopus Go relies on compatible vehicles or chargers, so check that your setup is supported before switching specifically for this tariff.
What is the Octopus app like?
I’ve found the Octopus app straightforward.
It isn’t overloaded with unnecessary features and it’s easy to see the information I actually want.
Depending on your meter and tariff, you can see things such as:
- electricity and gas usage
- account balance
- payments
- tariff details
- smart meter readings
- charging information
- Octoplus rewards
I particularly like being able to see energy usage rather than waiting for a bill and guessing where the money went.
Octoplus rewards
Octoplus is Octopus Energy’s rewards programme.
Eligible customers can earn Octopoints and access other rewards and promotions.
Octopus changes the individual offers regularly, so I wouldn’t switch supplier purely for Octoplus.
But as an existing customer, I’ve found there are some worthwhile extras.
Octopus currently offers things such as competitions, partner rewards and opportunities to earn Octopoints.
It isn’t going to transform your finances, but it’s a nice addition to an energy account you’re already using.
Saving Sessions
Another interesting Octopus feature is Saving Sessions.
These encourage eligible customers to use less electricity during certain busy periods, or sometimes move usage to greener periods.
In return, you can earn Octopoints.
This kind of feature isn’t necessarily going to save you huge amounts individually, but I like the idea of being rewarded for moving electricity use to times when the grid is under less pressure.
Does Octopus Energy have good customer service?
My own experience has generally been fine.
A lot of straightforward account management can be done online, which suits me because I don’t particularly want to phone an energy supplier every time I need to change something.
As with any large energy company, you’ll find both positive and negative customer experiences online.
So I’d be wary of anyone claiming that customer service is universally brilliant or terrible.
I can only judge it based on my own account, and I haven’t had any major problems that would make me want to leave.
Is Octopus Energy cheap?
Sometimes.
But this is one area where I’d ignore sweeping claims.
Whether Octopus is cheap for you depends on:
- where you live
- the tariff you choose
- how much gas and electricity you use
- when you use electricity
- whether you have an EV
- whether you have solar panels or a battery
- current wholesale and regulated energy prices
A household using a lot of overnight electricity might get excellent value from one tariff while another household could be better off elsewhere.
Get a personalised quote rather than relying on somebody else’s bill.
What I like about Octopus Energy
Good choice of tariffs
There are standard tariffs for customers who simply want gas and electricity, but there are also more specialist options for people with smart technology.
Particularly good for EV owners
Cheap overnight charging is one of the main reasons I’ve stayed with Octopus.
Useful app
It’s easy to keep track of energy usage, payments and account information.
Octoplus
The rewards aren’t a reason to switch on their own, but they’re a welcome extra.
Smart tariff options
If you’re prepared to move your electricity usage around, some of the smart tariffs are genuinely interesting.
£50 referral scheme
If you’re going to switch anyway, the referral credit is a useful bonus.
What I don’t like about Octopus Energy
No supplier is perfect.
The number of tariffs can be confusing
Having lots of choice is useful, but it also means working out the best Octopus tariff isn’t always straightforward.
Smart tariffs aren’t for everyone
Some of the most interesting tariffs require a smart meter, compatible hardware or changes to when you use electricity.
The referral bonus can distract from the actual price
£50 sounds attractive, but it’s a one-off.
The price of your energy over the following year matters far more.
Rewards can change
Octoplus promotions and perks come and go, so don’t assume an offer you’ve seen advertised will remain permanently available.
Who is Octopus Energy best for?
I think Octopus is particularly worth considering if you:
- own an electric vehicle
- have a smart meter
- can shift electricity use to cheaper times
- have solar panels or battery storage
- like monitoring your energy use
- prefer managing your account online
It’s still suitable for ordinary gas and electricity customers too, but some of its biggest advantages come from the smarter tariffs and features.
Is Octopus Energy worth it?
For me, yes.
I’ve been a customer since 2019 and haven’t found a compelling reason to leave.
The EV tariffs are particularly useful for my household, the app works well and I like some of the additional Octoplus features.
However, I wouldn’t tell somebody that Octopus is automatically the best supplier in the UK.
Energy needs vary too much for that.
Get a quote and compare it with your existing tariff.
If the numbers work for you, then I think Octopus is well worth considering.
Octopus Energy referral code
If you’ve read my review and decided you’d like to switch, Octopus currently has a refer-a-friend offer.
My referral code is:
smart-fox-386
You can use my personal referral link here:
For a qualifying home referral, both the new customer and existing customer currently receive £50 in energy account credit.
Don’t switch purely for the £50. Compare the tariff first.
But if you’re switching anyway, you might as well claim the referral credit you’re entitled to.
Disclosure: The link above is my personal Octopus Energy referral link. If you use it and meet the qualifying conditions, I may receive referral credit too. This site is independently operated and isn’t the official Octopus Energy website.