Should I Switch to Octopus from British Gas?

Thinking about ditching British Gas for Octopus? Many people like you are curious about switching, especially with all the news around higher bills and friendlier service.

If you’re after simple tariffs and solid customer support, Octopus might be a smart move.

Your best choice depends on your current deal, how much you care about customer service, and whether you want more flexible options.

People often praise Octopus for being easy to deal with and keeping customers happy. The switching process is usually smooth, too.

Key Takeaways

• Octopus offers flexible pricing and strong customer service.
• Your yearly costs may only change a little unless you switch to a special tariff.
• Switching is easy and can be worth it if service matters to you.

Comparing Octopus And British Gas

Octopus Energy and British Gas are two of the UK’s most well-known energy suppliers. British Gas has been around forever, while Octopus is a newer company focused on green energy and digital tools.

Company Backgrounds

British Gas dates back over a century, making it the oldest and one of the largest energy suppliers in the UK. It used to be a public utility and is now part of Centrica, a big multinational energy company.

British Gas serves millions of households. They also offer gas, electricity, boiler services, and even home insurance.

Octopus Energy, launched in 2016, is much newer in the game. They’ve grown fast by focusing on simpler tariffs, green electricity, and tech-driven service.

Octopus is known for digital tools, flexible tariffs, and 100% renewable electricity.

Here’s a quick glance at the basics:

Is Octopus better than British Gas?

When it comes to customer satisfaction, Octopus usually scores higher than British Gas. People seem to love the clear communication, the app, and the support team.

Reviews often mention quick responses and helpful staff at Octopus. British Gas gets mixed feedback—some people like its long history and the range of services, but others complain about slow customer service and billing issues.

Price is a sticking point too, as British Gas is often seen as pricier than Octopus. In one comparison, standard tariffs from Octopus can be about £121 cheaper per year for an average user compared to British Gas.

You can check out recent price differences between the two on this Octopus Energy blog post. If you’re interested in switching to Octopus, find out how you could save money here through their refer-a-friend programme.

Which is the biggest supplier?

British Gas is still the biggest household energy supplier in the UK. Its size gives it real influence over energy policy and pricing trends.

Octopus Energy is smaller, but it’s growing fast. Now they supply energy to several million customers and are often called the fastest-growing energy supplier in the UK.

Octopus focuses on renewables and tech innovation, which has earned attention from regulators and rivals. They’re leading in digital features, offering flexible tariffs and smart home integration. If you’re curious about the scale and influence differences, Free Price Compare’s overview breaks it down.

Which supplier is the cheapest?

How much you pay, and how much control you have, depends a lot on the tariff you pick. It’s worth understanding how these options work before you decide.

Understanding Tariffs

Both British Gas and Octopus offer standard variable tariffs (SVT) and fixed tariffs. SVTs move with the market, so your bills can rise or fall. A fixed tariff locks in your rate for a set time, usually 12 or 24 months.

Octopus stands out with options like the Tracker Tariff, which follows wholesale prices daily. If the market drops, your bill can drop too. British Gas sticks to more traditional tariffs, so price changes usually lag behind the market.

To really compare, look at the unit rate (price per kWh) and the standing charge (daily fee). Monthly payment estimates can be misleading. Want tips on comparing unit rates and standing charges? The Octopus Energy blog covers it nicely.

Flexibility And Choice Of Tariffs

Octopus offers a variety of plans. Besides standard and fixed tariffs, you get flexible options like Agile and Tracker, which follow the market closely.

These plans can work if you’re able to shift your usage or keep an eye on prices. British Gas has standard fixed and variable tariffs but doesn’t offer as many market-following products.

So, there’s less chance to benefit from sudden price drops with British Gas, but some people prefer the stability. With Octopus, you can usually switch tariffs easily, often with no exit fees.

British Gas sometimes charges exit fees on fixed deals, so check before you make changes. If you want more on flexibility, Mumsnet has some honest opinions.

Green Energy vs Standard Tariffs

Octopus supplies 100% renewable electricity as standard on most tariffs. If supporting green energy matters to you, that’s a big tick in their column.

British Gas also offers green tariffs, but they’re not always the default. With Octopus, even flexible tariffs like Tracker and Agile are green.

British Gas’s standard tariffs might include a mix of sources, and their green options sometimes cost a little more. If you want to shrink your carbon footprint, compare how each company sources electricity. Free Price Compare has more details on the green tariff differences.

Customer Service Experience

Customer service can make or break your energy experience. Quick help, easy contact, and reliable answers all matter when you need support.

Support Channels And Accessibility

Both Octopus and British Gas offer a range of support channels. You can reach both by phone, email, and live chat.

Octopus puts extra effort into digital support, which is great if you prefer online help. They’re active on social media like Twitter and Facebook, so you can reach out there too.

British Gas offers online and phone support, but some people report longer wait times and less flexibility with newer digital options. If you want to contact your supplier in different ways, Octopus gives you more choices.

They also share clear contact details on their website and sometimes reply faster to emails and social media messages than over the phone. If quick digital replies matter to you, Octopus Energy’s customer service is usually easy to access.

How quickly do issues get resolved?

Speed counts if you run into a problem. Recent reviews show that Octopus usually replies faster than British Gas, on average, it takes about 16 minutes compared to 35 minutes for British Gas.

Many Octopus customers say their problems get sorted on the first contact. With British Gas, you might need more follow-ups. Octopus often gives you a direct contact person, making it easier to track your request.

A customer satisfaction survey gave Octopus a 78% rating, with British Gas scoring lower. That suggests Octopus not only responds quickly but also solves your issues more often. If you need help in a hurry, this can matter a lot.

Switching Process

Switching from British Gas to Octopus Energy is simple. You can start online or by phone, and there’s support if you get stuck.

How To Switch From British Gas To Octopus

First, head to the Octopus Energy website and ask for a quote. You’ll need to enter your address and a few details about your current energy use.

Once you pick your tariff, Octopus handles the switch. You don’t need to call British Gas—Octopus sorts out all the communication and account handoff.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Enter your details for a tailored quote.
• Pick your preferred Octopus tariff.
• Confirm your switch and provide meter readings when requested.
• Wait for confirmation from Octopus that your switch is in progress.

You’ll get confirmation emails along the way. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted, so you just keep using gas and electricity as normal.

How Long Does it Take to Switch to Octopus from British Gas?

Switching to Octopus usually takes about 17 days from start to finish. Most of that time is spent checking your details and letting your old supplier know you’re leaving.

Your energy won’t be cut off—everything happens behind the scenes. You’ll just need to give meter readings so both suppliers can sort out your final and starting bills.

If you hit any snags, Octopus’s customer service team is there to help by email, phone, or chat. Got questions about charges, delays, or the process? You can read about common issues or reach out directly.

Octopus keeps you updated at every stage. It’s all designed to be as simple and low-stress as possible.

Long-Term Considerations

Switching energy suppliers isn’t just about today’s price. You also need to think about your contract, exit fees, and what might happen with energy prices down the road.

Contract Terms And Exit Fees

Octopus and British Gas both offer different contract terms. Some tariffs are fixed, while others are flexible, and that changes how easy it is to switch later.

Usually, fixed tariffs last 12 months or more. British Gas often charges exit fees if you leave a fixed contract early, but Octopus is known for skipping exit fees on most deals.

So, you can leave or switch with Octopus whenever you want, no penalty. That’s a relief if prices drop or your needs change.

If you want freedom and flexibility, compare the small print. Look at contract length and exit fee amounts before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Switching from British Gas to Octopus Energy brings new tariff options and a different way to manage your energy. The change affects your bills, your app experience, and how you reach customer support.

What are the benefits of switching to Octopus Energy from British Gas?

You get a modern app to check bills and submit meter readings. Octopus Energy stands out for flexible tariffs and clear billing.

Many customers like the simple account management and regular updates. It just feels a bit more user-friendly, honestly.

How does the process of switching from British Gas to Octopus Energy work?

You can start the switching process online or by phone. Octopus takes care of the handover with your old supplier and keeps you informed.

Suppliers handle final bills and credit transfers, so you don’t need to chase British Gas yourself. For more about switching steps, check the Octopus Energy switching guide.

Can I expect cost savings by moving to Octopus Energy from British Gas?

Octopus Energy often has competitive pricing and flexible tariffs. Your actual savings depend on your current tariff, usage, and where you live.

Plenty of customers do find their bills lower or at least similar after switching, but it’s always worth checking your own numbers.

What is the time frame for completing a switch to Octopus Energy from British Gas?

Switching usually takes up to three weeks. You’ll keep your energy throughout, with no supply interruptions.

Once the transfer is done, you’ll get a final bill from British Gas. Find more details on the expected timeline.

How does Octopus Energy’s customer service compare with British Gas?

Octopus Energy gets high marks for customer support and transparency. Replies are usually quick, and online chat feels pretty easy.

British Gas is a bigger, long-established company, but some people find Octopus’s service friendlier and more reachable. It’s a bit of a toss-up, but the vibe is definitely different.

Are there any exclusive tariffs with Octopus Energy that are not available through British Gas?

Octopus has its own unique and flexible tariffs. Some of these include special green rates and time-of-use options.

You won’t find these with British Gas. Tariffs change now and then, so it’s a good idea to check the Octopus website for the latest deals.