Changing Suppliers

[Caran]

A bit stressful.
Been with Scottish power for more years than I know. They moved me to another tariff a while ago that was ok. Then they have just said I have to have a smart meter. I declined. They can't offer me another cheap tariff, only one that will cost me £200 more per annum. I told them no thasnk you and I was going to switch suppliers.
Went on compare or something. Best I could come up with was Octopus.
It's costing me 50p a month more and no smart meter.
Has anyone used this company please.

[david small]

My brother in Cornwall uses them. No problems as far as I’m aware.

[Caran]

Thank you David.

[Buenchico]

They're well-reviewed by 'Which?'
https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/energy-companies/article/energy-company-reviews/octopus-energy-aESDM2a8ISWP

and on Trustpilot:
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/octopus.energy

[Caran]

Brilliant Chris, thank you.

[theshedman]

When I was offered a new tariff with EON they did the same saying I had to have a smart meter. I contacted them and was told they have to say that but if I didn't want one just to tell them when they phone to arrange a date to install it. I did this and got the cheaper tariff. When they phoned I told them I would only have a smart meter when they have sorted out the problems they have with some of them and have one that will work if I change suppliers. They said that was fine but they had to offer me one because of regulations.

[bhg481]

I was with Octopus for a few years with no problems. I only changed to SOenergy a few months ago because our local council got a deal with them which made it cheaper for us. If I came to change again Octopus would be at the top of my list fr quotes.

[burlyshirley]

Nobody can make you have a smart meter, can they ?

[dannyk13]

I have Octopus and find them very good, their customer relations is second to none and they have the recommendation of Which.

[barry1010]

burleyshirley, you are right, you cannot be forced to have a smart meter but the suppliers can make them a condition for cheaper tariffs. That is within the law - if you don't want one go elsewhere or opt for the more expensive tariff.

[bednobs]

i'm with Octopus. They are good

[bednobs]

and they tell me thye are not in a position to offer smart meters at the moment. Once you get a smart meter, can you swap companies?

[TrevorThePug]

Why so against smart meters?

In any event just had a quick swifty at Octopus and apparently I can save about £100 per month if I drop Scottish Power.

Too good to be true?

[AuntPollyGrey]

We can't get a smart meter as the signal is too weak where we live. We are with Bulb, which has recently put its price up but, after doing a comparison search, still seems to be 2p per unit cheaper than its nearest rival octopus.

[barry1010]

Yes, you can change suppliers, bednobs. You can change to a tariff that doesn't use smart meters if you want to - the meter will then be 'dumb' and you send your readings in as usual.

Octopus has always been too expensive for me.

[barry1010]

How about the standing charges, APG? That can make a huge difference to the overall bill

[whistonian]

Trever if you are changing to Octupus make sure a present member recommends you then you will both receive a £50 credit. Don't hesitate Octopus are brilliant.

[barry1010]

whistonian, Octopus is brilliant for some people - not me.

[TrevorThePug]

Thanks whistonian, I don't know anyone with Octopus but then I've never asked, so appreciate the note.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Barry yes, I checked that as well. It is 1p per day more than Octopus, but that's just £3.65 per year more and I am saving around £150 a year by sticking with Bulb. It is, however, a variable tariff, so will be keeping a keen eye out for any changes, although all providers will be in the same boat if the wholesale price of energy substantially increases.

[TrevorThePug]

I'd be worried about variable tariffs come January 2021