Start with how your household uses energy
There is no single tariff that suits every household. Before getting a quote, identify what you want from it: predictable rates, the freedom to follow changing prices, or an opportunity to move electricity use to cheaper hours.
List the appliances that drive your consumption. Heating, hot water and car charging can matter more than small devices. Also consider whether your routine lets you change when those appliances run.
Fixed, flexible and smart: the differences
| Tariff type | What to understand | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Rates are set for a defined term. Your bill still depends on usage. | Term length, standing charge and any exit fee. |
| Flexible | Rates can change. You take the benefit or cost of those changes. | Current prices, payment method and how changes are communicated. |
| Smart | Pricing may depend on time, market conditions or connected equipment. | Meter requirements, compatible devices and higher-price periods. |
Fixed prices offer rate certainty, but do not automatically fall if the market drops. A variable deal carries the possibility of both lower and higher prices. Compare the actual quote available to you rather than choosing solely from the label.
Could a smart tariff suit you?
Octopus offers specialist options for different uses. Intelligent Octopus Go is aimed at compatible EV charging, Cosy at heat-pump households and Flux at solar-and-battery setups. Agile uses half-hourly electricity prices; Tracker follows daily wholesale pricing. Check the current product terms before applying.
Make a practical plan before choosing a time-based tariff. Which loads could you move, and which must run during expensive periods? A low overnight rate is less useful if most of your electricity is still used at peak times.
An EV charging saving should be considered alongside daytime cooking, lighting, heating and other electricity use. Review the full annual picture.
Compare costs using the same assumptions
For a simple single-rate tariff, a starting estimate is annual usage in kWh multiplied by the unit rate, plus 365 days of standing charges. Use pounds consistently and include VAT on the same basis. Repeat for gas if relevant.
For illustration only: 2,700 kWh at 25p per kWh is £675. A 50p daily standing charge adds £182.50, giving £857.50 a year for electricity before any reward or other adjustment. These are invented example rates, not an Octopus quote.
Time-of-use tariffs need a different approach because the time you use each unit affects the bill. Compare against a realistic usage pattern instead of multiplying all usage by the cheapest advertised rate.
Where does the referral fit?
Assess the ongoing tariff first, then consider the one-off offer shown on our Octopus Energy code and referral offer page. A reward is helpful only if the overall switch meets your needs.
Check your current supplier’s exit costs, the new contract and any equipment requirements before deciding. If you proceed, follow our step-by-step switching guide and read the referral eligibility guide.
Rates and product availability change. Use the live quote and official tariff information for the figures that apply to your address.
Checked 13 October 2026. This guide summarises the information available at that date; your quote and the applicable Octopus terms take precedence.
Fixed and flexible explained · Official smart tariffs · Current tariff information