Referral value
For people already close to switching, the referral offer matters because it changes the first-month value of the move. Octopus has a live referral route for qualifying home-energy switches, which usually means £50 account credit for the new customer and the same again for the referrer. British Gas does not usually put a standing equivalent front and centre for standard switching in the same way.
| Topic | Octopus Energy | British Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Referral value | Live £50 referral route for qualifying home switches. | No comparable always-on referral route usually presented for standard home switching. |
| Tariff style | Strong range of smart and flexible tariffs, including EV-friendly options. | More traditional mainstream tariff presentation. |
| Home energy extras | Solar, battery, EV charging, and heat pump options all sit inside the same broader offer. | Broader household services presence, but a less obvious one-stop route for the same smart-home energy setup. |
| Best fit | People who want a modern switch, smart tariffs, and a referral bonus. | People who prefer a more familiar incumbent supplier relationship. |
Why people choose Octopus over British Gas
For this search, the big draw is not just the £50 credit. It is the full switching package. Octopus tends to be the more interesting option for homes looking at EV charging, solar, battery storage, or heat pumps alongside electricity and gas. That gives you more reasons to stay after the one-off bonus is gone.
If your home is straightforward and you simply want the cheapest acceptable tariff, compare the quoted rates carefully. If the prices are close, the referral credit and the broader smart-home offer can be enough to make Octopus the better-value move up front.
What to check before you choose
- Compare standing charges and unit rates rather than focusing only on the referral credit.
- Check whether a smart tariff, EV tariff, or export-linked setup matters to your household.
- Use the Octopus referral link first if you decide to proceed so the quote starts on the right route.
Useful next step: if you already know you want Octopus, go straight to the referral terms explained page for the common checks that help avoid missing the credit.