How to Switch to Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy is the UK’s most popular energy supplier and consistently tops customer satisfaction surveys. Here’s everything you need to know about switching to them.
In this guide
Why switch to Octopus Energy?
Octopus Energy has grown from a start-up to the UK’s largest energy supplier in less than a decade — and for good reason. They consistently top the charts for customer satisfaction, offer some of the most competitive tariffs in the market, and are fully committed to renewable energy.
⭐ Customer service: Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot — the highest of any major UK energy supplier
💰 Competitive pricing: Their Flexible Octopus tariff frequently ranks among the cheapest available
🌱 Green energy: 100% renewable electricity across all tariffs
📱 Technology: Award winning app and online account management
🔋 Smart tariffs: Industry leading time-of-use tariffs for EV owners and smart meter households
Octopus Energy tariffs explained
Octopus offer a range of tariffs to suit different households. Here are the main options:
Flexible Octopus
Most popularA variable tariff that tracks the wholesale energy price. No exit fees so you can leave at any time. Often one of the cheapest options available and a great choice for most households.
Octopus Fixed
A fixed rate tariff that locks in your unit rate for 12 months. Good if you want price certainty. Exit fees may apply if you leave early.
Octopus Agile
Prices change every 30 minutes based on the wholesale electricity market. Can be extremely cheap during low demand periods. Best for flexible households with a smart meter who can shift usage to off-peak times.
Octopus Go
Designed for electric vehicle owners. Offers a very cheap overnight rate (typically 11pm-5am) for EV charging. Requires a smart meter.
Which tariff should I choose? For most households the Flexible Octopus tariff is the best starting point — it’s competitive, has no exit fees and gives you the flexibility to switch again if a better deal comes along.
How to switch to Octopus Energy — step by step
Switching to Octopus Energy is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes. Here’s the full process:
Compare deals first
Before switching directly to Octopus, it’s worth comparing their tariffs against other suppliers to make sure you’re getting the best deal available in your area. Use FastSwitch to compare in 2 minutes.
Get a meter reading
Take a meter reading before you start the sign up process. This ensures your final bill from your old supplier and your first bill from Octopus are accurate.
Sign up with Octopus
Click through to Octopus Energy and complete the online sign up. You’ll need your postcode, current supplier name, meter reading and bank details for direct debit setup. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Octopus handles the rest
You don’t need to contact your old supplier — Octopus will notify them and manage the switch on your behalf. You’ll receive confirmation emails keeping you updated throughout.
Switch completes
Your supply transfers to Octopus — typically within 5 working days. Your gas and electricity supply is never interrupted during the switch.
Compare Octopus against other suppliers
See if Octopus is the cheapest option for your postcode — free, no obligation.
Compare energy deals →How long does switching to Octopus take?
The sign up process itself takes about 10 minutes online. The actual switch — when your supply transfers to Octopus — typically takes around 5 working days, though it can occasionally take up to 3 weeks.
You have a 14-day cooling off period after signing up during which you can cancel without penalty if you change your mind.
What to expect after switching to Octopus
Once your switch completes you’ll receive a welcome email from Octopus with your account details. Here’s what to expect in the first few weeks:
📧 Welcome email — Octopus will send you login details for your online account and the Octopus app.
📊 Final bill from old supplier — your old supplier will send a final bill based on your closing meter reading. This may take a few weeks to arrive.
💳 First direct debit — Octopus will set up your monthly direct debit based on your estimated usage.
📱 Download the app — the Octopus app is excellent for monitoring usage, submitting readings and managing your account.
🔋 Smart meter — if you don’t already have one, Octopus will offer to install a smart meter for free.
Is Octopus Energy worth switching to?
For most UK households, yes — Octopus Energy is genuinely one of the best energy suppliers in the UK on both price and service. Their combination of competitive tariffs, excellent customer service and innovative smart tariffs is hard to beat.
That said, whether Octopus is the cheapest option specifically for your household depends on your postcode and usage. It’s always worth comparing before switching to make sure you’re getting the best deal available in your area.
✓ Switch to Octopus if — you want great customer service, competitive pricing and a trustworthy supplier
✓ Consider alternatives if — another supplier is significantly cheaper for your specific postcode at the time you’re switching
Frequently asked questions
Will my energy supply be cut off when I switch to Octopus?
No — your gas and electricity supply will never be interrupted when switching supplier. The same pipes and cables deliver your energy regardless of who supplies it.
Do I need to contact my current supplier to switch?
No — Octopus handles everything. They will notify your current supplier and manage the switch on your behalf. You don’t need to make any calls or send any letters.
Are there exit fees for leaving my current supplier?
If you’re currently on a fixed tariff you may have exit fees — typically £20-60 per fuel. If you’re on a standard variable tariff there are no exit fees. Check your current contract before switching.
Is Octopus Energy available across the whole UK?
Octopus Energy is available across Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. They are not available in Northern Ireland which has a separate energy market.
Can I switch to Octopus if I’m a tenant?
In most cases yes — if you pay your energy bills directly to a supplier you can switch. Check your tenancy agreement if you’re unsure, as some landlords have specific arrangements in place.
Related guides
How to switch energy supplier UK 2026 → Best energy suppliers UK 2026 → Cheapest energy suppliers UK 2026 →Ready to switch to Octopus Energy?
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Compare energy deals →Written by the FastSwitch team · Last updated April 2026
FastSwitch is a free UK energy comparison service. We may earn a commission when you switch via our site — this never affects the deals or prices you see.
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