Octopus Energy tariffs & prices (May 2026): unit rates, standing charges & switching
See Octopus Energy’s latest electricity & gas unit rates, daily standing charges and exit fees — then compare against the whole UK market for your postcode in under two minutes.
- Live rates for Octopus 12M Fixed, 10M Fixed, Loyal Octopus & Flexible Octopus
- Plus smart tariffs: Agile, Intelligent Octopus Go, Cosy, Octopus Flux & Outgoing
- Exit fees, contract length and meter eligibility all in one place
Rates correct as of May 2026. Prices vary by region, meter type and payment method — always confirm the tariff information label before switching.
Octopus Energy tariff rates at a glance — May 2026
A snapshot of live Octopus Energy tariffs for Monthly Direct Debit (dual fuel), showing the range of electricity and gas unit rates and daily standing charges across UK regions. Smart tariffs (Agile, Intelligent Octopus Go, Cosy, Flux) sit outside the standard feed — see the section below.
| Tariff | Type | Electricity (p/kWh) | Elec. standing (p/day) | Gas (p/kWh) | Gas standing (p/day) | Exit fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus 12M Fixed April 2026 (v3) | Fixed · 12 months | 24.25–31.81 (avg 27.78) | 44–70 (avg 53) | 6.48–6.90 (avg 6.68) | 28–29 (avg 29) | £50 per fuel |
| Octopus 10M Fixed April 2026 | Fixed · 10 months | 24.98–33.01 (avg 28.81) | 44–70 (avg 53) | 7.35–7.79 (avg 7.56) | 28–29 (avg 29) | £50 per fuel |
| Loyal Octopus 12M Fixed (existing customers) | Renewal fix · 12 months | 22.47–31.02 (avg 26.59) | 44–68 (avg 52) | 5.95–6.40 (avg 6.11) | 31–32 (avg 31) | None |
| Flexible Octopus (default) | Variable (capped) · no end date | 23.67–36.23 (avg 29.32) | 44–70 (avg 53) | 5.60–6.15 (avg 5.84) | 28–34 (avg 31) | None |
Source: live Octopus Energy product feed, Monthly Direct Debit, dual-fuel (gas + electricity). Octopus Key and Card serves prepayment customers separately. The Loyal Octopus renewal tariff is only available to existing customers re-fixing within their account.
Why the range? The 14 UK distribution regions each have different network costs. London and the North Scotland region are usually at opposite ends — your postcode quote will show the exact rate for your meter point.
Octopus smart tariffs (Agile, Intelligent Go, Cosy, Flux & more)
Octopus is best known for its half-hourly smart tariffs — they sit outside the standard tariff feed because prices vary by region and time of day. All require a working SMETS smart meter and an Octopus Energy account.
Agile Octopus
Half-hourly electricity prices that follow wholesale costs — can occasionally go negative in windy/sunny periods, and capped at ~100p/kWh in extreme peaks. Ideal if you can shift heavy loads (laundry, EV, hot water).
Intelligent Octopus Go
An EV-focused tariff with a guaranteed ~7p/kWh off-peak rate (11.30pm–5.30am) plus smart EV charging that can extend cheap hours when the grid is clean. Requires a compatible EV or charger.
Cosy Octopus
Designed for heat pumps: three cheap windows per day (typically 4–7am, 1–4pm and overnight), peak rate weekdays 4–7pm. Best if your heat pump can pre-heat the home.
Octopus Flux
For homes with solar + battery: three-tier import and export rates that pay more to export at peak (4–7pm) and charge less to import overnight. Maximises battery value.
Octopus Go
Original EV tariff with a fixed 4-hour off-peak window (typically 12.30–4.30am) at a discounted rate. Simpler than Intelligent Go but less optimised — check both before choosing.
Outgoing Octopus & Agile
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs for solar/battery owners. Outgoing Fixed pays a flat 15p/kWh, Outgoing Agile tracks half-hourly wholesale prices.
Saving Sessions: All Octopus smart-meter customers can also opt in to Saving Sessions during winter — one-off events (usually 1–2 hours) where you’re paid OctoPoints to reduce usage. Stack with any tariff.
Is Octopus Energy a good supplier in 2026?
Octopus Energy is now the UK’s largest domestic energy supplier, serving roughly 7 million customers (counting the Bulb book it absorbed in 2022). Founded in 2016 by Greg Jackson, it’s headquartered in London and runs the Kraken Technologies platform that powers its customer service. It’s consistently top of the Citizens Advice supplier league table and supplies 100% renewable electricity as standard.
Key takeaways (May 2026)
- Loyal Octopus 12M Fixed is the cheapest fix this month — but only for existing customers.
- Octopus 12M Fixed April 2026 v3 is the open-to-all acquisition fix.
- Flexible Octopus tracks the Ofgem price cap with no exit fees.
- Smart tariffs (Agile, Intelligent Go, Cosy, Flux) can save serious money if you can shift usage.
- 100% renewable electricity, backed by Octopus’s own UK wind & solar generation.
Who Octopus can suit
- Households wanting the UK’s top-rated customer service (Citizens Advice 2024/25).
- EV drivers and heat-pump owners willing to shift usage for cheaper rates.
- Solar & battery owners chasing the best export tariff (Outgoing or Flux).
Who should double-check first
- Customers without a working smart meter — most Octopus smart tariffs need one.
- Prepayment users — the Key and Card tariff is variable, and fixes aren’t available.
- Anyone mid-fix elsewhere with a material exit fee.
Quick check before you compare: grab your latest bill or open the Octopus / current supplier app. Note your tariff name, end date, exit fees and last 12 months’ kWh usage. That single step prevents most “switch regret”.
Compare Octopus Energy with the whole UK market
Enter your postcode and a few details to see an estimated annual cost for Octopus Energy tariffs alongside British Gas, EDF, E.ON Next, OVO, Scottish Power and other UK suppliers. We’ll match results to your meter type (standard, Economy 7, smart, prepay) and preferred payment method.
What you’ll need: postcode (rates are regional), meter type, payment method and — ideally — your annual kWh usage (on the second page of any energy bill).
How switching to Octopus Energy works
- Compare: we use your postcode to show Octopus tariffs and competing offers with estimated annual costs.
- Choose: pick the tariff that fits your priorities (price, fix length, smart tariff option, payment method).
- Apply: Octopus handles the switch under the UK Faster Switching rules — usually five working days.
- Take a reading: submit opening and closing meter reads (smart meters do this automatically when communicating).
- Cooling-off: you have a 14-day cooling-off period from contract acceptance.
Renting? You can usually switch if you pay the bills directly and your tenancy doesn’t name a specific supplier. If your landlord includes energy in the rent, you can’t change supplier yourself.
Get your quote
We’ll use these details to send a tailored comparison and help you complete a switch if you choose to. No obligation.
Octopus Energy vs other UK suppliers: what to compare
Headline unit rates are only half the story. Use the checklist below to make a like-for-like comparison between Octopus Energy and rivals such as British Gas, EDF, E.ON Next, OVO and Scottish Power.
| What to compare | Why it matters | Where to find it | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (electricity & gas) | The price per kWh. Octopus 12M Fixed starts at 24.25p/kWh (electricity); Loyal Octopus starts lower at 22.47p. | Tariff information label / quote summary | Comparing a single “headline” rate without confirming region/meter |
| Standing charge | Fixed daily cost (Octopus: 44–70p/day for electricity, 28–34p/day for gas). Dominates bills for low-usage homes. | Tariff label / contract summary | Ignoring it when you live in a small flat or use little energy |
| Fixed vs smart vs variable | Fixed (Octopus 12M / 10M / Loyal) gives price certainty; smart (Agile, Intelligent Go, Cosy, Flux) varies by half-hour; variable (Flexible) tracks the Ofgem cap. | Tariff name and terms | Choosing a smart tariff without checking if you can shift usage |
| Exit fees (if you leave early) | Octopus 12M / 10M Fixed: £50 per fuel. Loyal Octopus, Flexible Octopus & most smart tariffs: no exit fees. | Contract terms / tariff info label | Assuming Octopus = no exit fees (true historically, not now) |
| Payment method | Monthly Direct Debit is usually cheapest. Octopus Key and Card serves prepayment customers; cash/cheque prices differently. | Quote options | Assuming Direct Debit prices apply to all payment methods |
| Smart meter requirement | Agile, Intelligent Go, Cosy and Flux require a communicating SMETS smart meter. Octopus will install one free if you don’t have one. | Your bill, in-home display, or supplier account | Signing up to a smart tariff before your meter is communicating |
| Saving Sessions & rewards | Octoplus / Saving Sessions pay OctoPoints for cutting usage during winter peak events — small but useful. | Octopus account / Octoplus dashboard | Headline perks (e.g. referral credit) hiding a higher unit rate |
5-point decision checklist
- I know whether I’m fixed, smart or variable today (and when my fix ends).
- I’ve checked exit fees on my current tariff.
- I know my meter type (standard / Economy 7 / smart / prepay).
- I’m comparing the same payment method (Monthly Direct Debit, for example).
- I’m using my postcode so rates match my region.
Two worked examples (May 2026 rates)
Using regional averages for Octopus 12M Fixed April 2026 v3 (Monthly Direct Debit, dual fuel): elec 27.78p/kWh + 53p/day standing; gas 6.68p/kWh + 29p/day standing.
Scenario A: small flat, low usage
- Use: 1,800 kWh electricity, 6,000 kWh gas per year
- Elec: (1,800 × £0.2778) + (365 × £0.53) = £500.04 + £193.45 = £693.49
- Gas: (6,000 × £0.0668) + (365 × £0.29) = £400.80 + £105.85 = £506.65
Estimated total: ~£1,200/year
Scenario B: family home, higher usage
- Use: 3,600 kWh electricity, 12,000 kWh gas per year
- Elec: (3,600 × £0.2778) + (365 × £0.53) = £1,000.08 + £193.45 = £1,193.53
- Gas: (12,000 × £0.0668) + (365 × £0.29) = £801.60 + £105.85 = £907.45
Estimated total: ~£2,101/year
Figures use average rates across regions and are illustrative. Your postcode quote may be higher or lower; rates exclude VAT adjustments, Saving Sessions credits and any referral discounts.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls with Octopus Energy
Most complaints we see aren’t about the supplier brand — they come from mismatched assumptions (meter type, payment method) or missing details (exit fees, contract end date). Use these checks before you commit.
Exit fees on new fixes
Octopus introduced £50 per fuel exit fees on the new 10M / 12M Fixed acquisition tariffs in 2024. Loyal Octopus (renewal), Flexible Octopus and most smart tariffs still have no exit fees. Check the tariff info label before assuming.
Smart-tariff eligibility
Agile, Intelligent Octopus Go, Cosy and Flux all require a working SMETS smart meter and sometimes a compatible device (EV/charger/heat-pump). Eligibility checks happen after you sign up for the main tariff.
Economy 7 & multi-rate
Octopus supports Economy 7 on fixed and Flexible tariffs, with separate day/night rates. If you’re on Economy 7 and have a smart meter, Cosy or Agile may save more — run the numbers.
Prepayment customers
Octopus Key and Card is the prepayment tariff — variable only, capped at the Ofgem prepay cap. Fixes aren’t available on prepay; ask about moving to Direct Debit on a smart prepay meter if you want one.
Direct Debit reviews
Octopus reviews monthly Direct Debits regularly and lets you change the amount in-app within sensible limits. Submit a meter reading before each review for accuracy.
Move-in / move-out timing
Just moved? Take opening readings on day one and photograph the meter. Setting up Octopus on the right tariff before you compare avoids being parked on the higher “deemed contract” rate.
Common pitfall: picking Agile or Intelligent Go without checking your usage pattern. If most of your demand is in the 4–7pm peak, a half-hourly tariff can cost more than a fix.
Octopus Energy FAQs
Is Octopus Energy cheaper than the Ofgem price cap?
In May 2026, Octopus 12M Fixed April 2026 v3 sits below the Ofgem price cap for most regions, with average unit rates of 27.78p/kWh (electricity) and 6.68p/kWh (gas) on Monthly Direct Debit. Loyal Octopus is cheaper still for existing customers re-fixing. Flexible Octopus tracks the cap exactly.
Who owns Octopus Energy?
Octopus Energy is part of Octopus Energy Group, the UK-based group founded in 2016 by CEO Greg Jackson. The wider group also owns Kraken Technologies (the platform now licensed to other UK and international suppliers) and generation arm Octopus Energy Generation. It’s privately held; investors include Origin Energy, Generation IM and Tokyo Gas.
Does Octopus supply 100% renewable electricity?
Yes. All Octopus Energy domestic electricity is matched to 100% renewable sources, backed by REGOs. A growing share comes from Octopus Energy Generation’s own UK wind and solar farms, not just retail certificates.
What is Agile Octopus and how does it work?
Agile Octopus is a half-hourly electricity tariff where prices change every 30 minutes based on wholesale costs. Prices can go negative (you’re paid to use power) on windy nights, and are capped at ~100p/kWh in extreme peaks. Requires a SMETS smart meter and an Octopus Energy account.
What is Intelligent Octopus Go?
Intelligent Octopus Go is Octopus’s smart EV tariff: a guaranteed ~7p/kWh rate from 11.30pm–5.30am every night, plus extra cheap hours when the grid is clean and Octopus controls your EV/charger. Requires a compatible EV (Tesla, BMW, VW, Hyundai/Kia) or charger (Ohme, Wallbox, etc.).
What is Cosy Octopus?
Cosy Octopus is designed for homes with a heat pump. It has three cheap windows per day (typically 4–7am, 1–4pm and overnight) and a peak rate on weekdays 4–7pm. Most benefit comes if your heat pump can pre-heat the home during the cheap windows.
What is Octopus Flux?
Octopus Flux is the solar + battery tariff. It has three-tier import rates (cheap overnight, normal day, expensive 4–7pm) and matching export rates (you’re paid most for exporting at 4–7pm). Designed to make a home battery pay for itself faster.
Are there exit fees if I leave an Octopus fixed tariff?
Yes — the newer Octopus 10M / 12M Fixed acquisition tariffs charge £50 per fuel if you leave early. Loyal Octopus, Flexible Octopus and the smart tariffs (Agile, Intelligent Go, Cosy, Flux) have no exit fees. Always check the tariff info label.
What are Saving Sessions?
During winter, Octopus runs Saving Sessions on behalf of National Grid ESO’s Demand Flexibility Service. You opt in via the Octoplus app; on a session day you’re asked to reduce usage for 1–2 hours and earn OctoPoints. Available to all smart-meter customers regardless of tariff.
Can I get a smart meter installed by Octopus?
Yes. Octopus installs SMETS2 smart meters at no upfront cost. You can book a slot in the Octopus app. After installation you can join Agile, Intelligent Go, Cosy, Flux or Saving Sessions when eligible.
Did Octopus take over Bulb?
Yes. Octopus Energy acquired Bulb’s 1.5 million customers in December 2022 after Bulb collapsed and entered Special Administration. Former Bulb customers were migrated to Octopus accounts, which is part of how Octopus became the UK’s largest supplier by 2024/25.
What is the Warm Home Discount with Octopus?
Octopus is part of the UK Warm Home Discount scheme. Eligible customers receive a one-off £150 rebate on their electricity bill. From 2026/27 the scheme covers a wider Core Group of low-income households — eligibility is checked automatically via DWP data.
I’m renting — can I switch to Octopus?
If you pay the energy bills directly, yes — even if you’re a tenant. Ofgem rules mean your tenancy can’t prevent you from choosing your own supplier. If energy is included in your rent, your landlord controls the account.
How do I contact Octopus Energy?
UK customer service is on 0808 164 1088 (Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 9am–4pm). The Octopus app and email (hello@octopus.energy) handle most account tasks. Octopus has consistently topped the Citizens Advice supplier ratings for customer service.
Not sure what meter you have? Your bill usually shows “single rate”, “Economy 7”, or a meter serial number and register count (R1/R2). Send Octopus a photo and they’ll confirm the meter type.
How we assess Octopus Energy: methodology & sources
Page details
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- UK Energy Specialist
- Rate data
- Live Octopus Energy product feed
- Last updated
- 27 May 2026
Our methodology
We rate suppliers and tariffs through a consumer-first lens: estimated annual cost at typical usage (using regional unit rates and standing charges), tariff terms (fixed/variable/smart, exit fees, payment-method rules) and practical fit (meter compatibility, smart-meter eligibility, household circumstances).
- Live rates: pulled from the Octopus Energy product feed and aggregated across the 14 UK distribution regions.
- Like-for-like: comparisons fix the meter type and payment method so the cheapest tariff is genuinely the cheapest for you.
- Smart tariffs: we describe Agile, Intelligent Go, Cosy and Flux qualitatively rather than as single rates, because they vary by half-hour and region.
- Transparency: we show ranges (min/avg/max) rather than a single headline rate, because regional variation matters.
Limitations: supplier tariffs change frequently; some products (Loyal Octopus, smart tariffs) are restricted to specific customer segments. Worked examples on this page exclude Saving Sessions credits, referral discounts, Warm Home Discount and any export earnings.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem energy price cap – current cap level and how it affects default variable tariffs.
- Ofgem: Switching your energy supplier – Faster Switching rules and your rights.
- Citizens Advice: energy – help with bills, complaints and supplier league tables.
- GOV.UK: Warm Home Discount – eligibility and how the rebate is paid.
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