What is Flexible Octopus?
Flexible Octopus is Octopus Energy’s standard variable tariff for gas and electricity. It is a straightforward option for households that do not want to fix their energy prices or use a smart time-of-use tariff.
This tariff is protected by the Ofgem price cap, which limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs. The price cap is reviewed every three months, so Flexible Octopus prices can go up or down at the start of each new cap period.
Unlike Octopus Tracker, Agile or Octopus Go, Flexible Octopus does not use different electricity prices at different times of day. You do not need a smart meter, and it does not require half-hourly meter readings.
Flexible Octopus is also often the tariff new customers start on before moving to a smart tariff. Octopus may need time to check that a smart meter is communicating properly and sending reliable half-hourly readings before switching you to tariffs such as Tracker, Agile, Go or Cosy.
How Flexible Octopus works
Prices can go up or down
Flexible Octopus is not fixed, so its unit rates and standing charges can change over time.
Prices are usually reviewed in line with changes to the Ofgem price cap, which is updated every three months. Your actual rates depend on where you live, how you pay and the type of meter you have.
It is protected by the Ofgem price cap
Flexible Octopus is covered by the Ofgem price cap.
The price cap limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs. It does not cap your total bill, as your bill will still depend on how much gas and electricity you use.
There are no exit fees
Flexible Octopus does not tie you into a fixed contract. You can move to another Octopus tariff or switch supplier later without paying an exit fee.
That can make it a useful option if you want flexibility while deciding whether to fix your prices, move onto a smart tariff or wait for a smart meter to be connected.
Flexible Octopus tariff rates
Flexible Octopus rates vary by region, payment method and meter type. The rate for a Direct Debit customer in one part of the country may not be the same as the rate for a customer paying by standard credit elsewhere.
For the latest Flexible Octopus rates, check your Octopus account, a current quote or Octopus’s latest regional tariff information. It is better to check your own local unit rates and standing charges than rely on a national average price-cap figure.
Who is Flexible Octopus best for?
Flexible Octopus may suit you if you:
- Want a simple tariff without a fixed contract
- Prefer to stay protected by the Ofgem price cap
- Do not have a compatible smart meter yet
- Do not want to shift electricity use into specific off-peak periods
- Want the freedom to move to another tariff without exit fees
- Are joining Octopus before moving onto a smart tariff
It is also a sensible temporary option for households that are waiting for a smart meter to connect properly or deciding which Octopus tariff suits their home.
Who should consider another tariff?
Flexible Octopus may not be the best fit if you want more certainty over your energy prices. A fixed tariff may be worth comparing if you would rather know your unit rates and standing charges for a set period.
You may also want to consider a smart tariff if you have a compatible smart meter and can change when you use electricity. For example:
- Octopus Tracker changes daily in line with wholesale energy prices.
- Octopus Agile uses half-hourly electricity prices that change each day.
- Octopus Go offers a fixed cheaper overnight electricity window for EV charging.
- Intelligent Octopus Go uses smart charging for compatible electric vehicles and chargers.
- Octopus Cosy is designed around lower-priced electricity windows for homes with heat pumps.
Each tariff has different eligibility rules, risks and potential savings, so it is worth comparing the options against how your household actually uses energy.
Flexible Octopus and smart tariffs
Flexible Octopus is often the first tariff new customers use when they switch to Octopus and plan to join a smart tariff later.
Before Octopus can move you onto tariffs such as Tracker, Agile, Go or Cosy, it needs to make sure your smart meter is connected properly and sending reliable half-hourly readings. This can take time after your supply switch completes.
While that is being checked, you may remain on Flexible Octopus. Once your meter is communicating correctly and you meet the eligibility rules for the smart tariff you want, you can complete the switch.
You do not need a smart meter for Flexible Octopus itself. However, you will usually need a compatible smart meter and half-hourly readings for Octopus’s smart tariffs.
How to switch to Flexible Octopus
If you are already with Octopus
You can usually move to Flexible Octopus through your online account or the Octopus app. As it is a variable tariff with no exit fees, you can also move away later if you find another tariff that suits you better.
If you are switching to Octopus
When you switch to Octopus, Flexible Octopus may be used as your starting tariff while your account is set up and your smart meter is connected.
This is particularly common if you want to move onto a smart tariff. Once your supply is live and Octopus can receive the half-hourly readings it needs, you can apply for the relevant smart tariff.
Find out more about switching to Octopus Energy and receiving £50 credit.
Flexible Octopus FAQs
Is Flexible Octopus protected by the price cap?
Yes. Flexible Octopus is a standard variable tariff, so it is protected by the Ofgem price cap.
The cap limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge. It does not limit your total bill, because your bill still depends on how much energy you use.
Are Flexible Octopus prices fixed?
No. Flexible Octopus is a variable tariff, so its unit rates and standing charges can change over time.
Prices are influenced by the Ofgem price cap, as well as regional costs, payment method and meter type.
Are there exit fees on Flexible Octopus?
No. Flexible Octopus does not have exit fees or a fixed contract term.
You can move to another Octopus tariff or switch supplier later without paying a penalty.
Do I need a smart meter for Flexible Octopus?
No. You can use Flexible Octopus without a smart meter.
However, you will usually need a compatible smart meter that can send half-hourly readings if you want to move onto a smart tariff such as Tracker, Agile, Go or Cosy.
Can I move from Flexible Octopus to a smart tariff?
Yes. Once your smart meter is connected and sending half-hourly readings correctly, you can apply for an eligible smart tariff.
The tariff you can join will depend on your home, meter, equipment and energy use. For example, Octopus Go is designed for EV drivers, while Cosy is aimed at homes with heat pumps.
Why am I on Flexible Octopus before joining a smart tariff?
Octopus needs to connect to your smart meter and confirm that it can receive the half-hourly readings needed to bill a smart tariff correctly.
Flexible Octopus acts as a straightforward starting tariff while that process is completed.