Octopus Energy tariffs explained

Why tariff choice matters

The £50 referral credit gets you through the door. The tariff you choose determines whether staying with Octopus saves you money over 12 months. Most new customers start on Flexible Octopus (the standard variable rate) and can switch to a smart tariff once they have a smart meter installed.

Flexible Octopus (standard variable)

The default tariff. Unit rates and standing charges follow the Ofgem price cap, typically at or slightly below the cap level. No exit fees. No lock-in. You can switch to another tariff or another supplier at any time. This is what most new customers start on.

Best for: households who want simplicity and don't have an EV, solar, battery, or heat pump.

Octopus Agile

Half-hourly pricing that tracks day-ahead wholesale electricity rates. Rates vary from negative (you get paid to use electricity) to over 30p/kWh during peak demand. The average rate is typically below the standard tariff. Requires a smart meter.

Best for: households with batteries, solar panels, or flexible consumption patterns. If you can shift washing machines, dishwashers, and EV charging to cheap overnight and midday slots, Agile can save £200-£400 per year versus the standard tariff.

Octopus Go

A simple two-rate tariff: cheap electricity overnight (typically 7.5p/kWh from 12:30am to 5:30am) and a standard daytime rate. Designed for EV owners who charge overnight. Requires a smart meter.

Best for: EV owners who can charge overnight. The overnight rate is roughly 70% cheaper than the standard daytime rate.

Intelligent Octopus Go

The smarter version of Go. Connects to your EV charger and automatically schedules charging during the cheapest windows. Also allows your EV to participate in grid flexibility events where Octopus may shift your charging in exchange for credits. Requires a compatible smart charger and smart meter.

Best for: EV owners with a compatible home charger who want fully automated cheap charging.

Octopus Flux

A three-rate tariff designed for solar and battery owners. Higher export rates during peak demand periods, plus cheaper import rates during off-peak hours. The idea is that your battery charges from solar during the day, exports during the evening peak (when Flux pays you more), and imports cheaply overnight.

Best for: homeowners with solar panels and a battery who want to maximise the value of their export.

Cosy Octopus

A tariff with cheaper rates during the hours when heat pumps typically run — early morning and late afternoon. Designed to reduce the running cost of air source and ground source heat pumps. Requires a smart meter.

Best for: heat pump owners. The cheaper rates during heat pump operating hours can reduce running costs by 15-25% versus a flat-rate tariff.

Which tariff should you choose?

All tariffs are available after switching via the referral link. The £50 credit applies regardless of which tariff you choose.