Absolutely no requirement to do dual fuel with Octopus. However I found that the Tracker rate was the best that I could find for Gas .....

 

How do you know what rate you are paying? Is it pre published?

 

 

I was on an old dual fuel rate with Octopus where the gas was 3.39p/kWh with a standing charge of 22.85p a day.

When I switched to Agile I decided to keep my Gas with them and went to a one year fixed rate of 2.91p/kWh with a standing charge of 17.85p a day. I could have had a rate of (I think) around 2.5p/kWh, but chose the higher rate as it's carbon offset (the lower rate wasn't) and would cost me less than £2 a month more. Not sure about other tariffs but I don't think there are much cheaper carbon offset rates out there.

 

Thanks for the replies. I hadn't noticed the tracker rates previously, but my current gas rate seems to be cheaper.
Does anyone know what the current wait times are for smart meter installation (electric)?

 

Does anyone know what the current wait times are for smart meter installation (electric)?

In my area there have been no available slots at all, part way through October I was told that there were none until new bookings started in 2021. But if you phone them (don't bother emailing) and get the link to the cancellation page this should be able to get you a booking within a few days with then a couple of weeks to the fitting.

 

There's not a direct answer to your question - during Covid it is a matter of luck, geography and whether your existing meter is in an external box. If you are with one of the "big 6" suppliers get them to fit one before you transfer - they need to hit targets for fitting them so don't mind and are desperate to find willing volunteers to have them. There is no lock in afterwards allowed.

 

Thanks. I am currently with British Gas who have said 'In the New Year' for an installation of an SM2 meter.

Am I correct in thinking that once I have an SM2 type meter, I can switch suppliers without losing the smart capability?

 

Once you have a working SM2 meter setup, in theory, you should be able to move between suppliers. Ours didn’t work after moving to Octopus, so we needed new meters installing.

In terms of gas, we moved to the Octopus Tracker rate. Prices were very low in the summer, well under 1.5p/kWh. Standing charge is 15p/day. At the moment it’s 2.61p, and will possible increase a small amount over the next month or so, it is very much cheaper than most deals we could find elsewhere. I’ve pasted the previous and forecast next 12 months wholesale prices. Also a screen showing how the Unit price is calculated on top of the wholesale cost.

 

Once you have a working SM2 meter setup, in theory, you should be able to move between suppliers. Ours didn’t work after moving to Octopus, so we needed new meters installing.

In terms of gas, we moved to the Octopus Tracker rate. Prices were very low in the summer, well under 1.5p/kWh. Standing charge is 15p/day. At the moment it’s 2.61p, and will possible increase a small amount over the next month or so, it is very much cheaper than most deals we could find elsewhere. I’ve pasted the previous and forecast next 12 months wholesale prices. Also a screen showing how the Unit price is calculated on top of the wholesale cost.

That's very useful, thanks. It sounds as though I ought to switch and then ask for the meters then.... otherwise I could be needing the meter done twice!

My current gas rates are 2.52525p per kWh and 14.6538p per day so I am probably better off leaving the gas where is is - at least for the winter.

 

Yes, prob best moving to the electricity tracker tariff while waiting for the SM2 install, then move across as soon as they’re getting readings. You can change between any live octopus tariffs at any point and they just switch you across at midnight once you confirm your tariff choice.

 

Moved to Octopus recently. They will of course talk to any SM2 meter but are also happy with SM1 meters of brand 'Secure'.

 

Personally octopus are doing a great job and I want them to continue being innovative. Happy to have gas with them even if a tad more expensive (which they're not!) Give them the business.

 

Evolve is dual fuel, i assume you must keep electricity with them still.
Their cheapest Gas only appears to be 3.1p per kWh with a 26p SC.

We are on Agile with tracker for gas which we have found very competitive as well as supporting Octopus due to them being so flexible regarding tariffs which is appreciated.

 

Evolve is dual fuel, i assume you must keep electricity with them still.
Their cheapest Gas only appears to be 3.1p per kWh with a 26p SC.

Ah ok. I had not realised that.
I have applied to move just electric away from Evolve.
If Evolve want to put the prices up on the gas, I will move that as well.