Switching to Octopus: how it works and how long it takes
You switch onto one of Octopus's standard tariffs first and move to a smart tariff like Go, Cosy or Agile once they've connected to your smart meter. This covers each step and what to check before you start.
Econotion · Updated 24 October 2026 · From Octopus's own pages and terms
Referral link. Econotion is independent and isn't part of Octopus Energy. If you switch to Octopus through a link on this page, Econotion may get a referral payment. It doesn't change the rates you pay. If you're already with Octopus, account and tariff questions go to hello@octopus.energy.
Getting a quote and signing up online takes a few minutes and Octopus handles the move from your current supplier. Octopus says a domestic switch can now complete in as little as two working days, and you keep a 14-day cooling-off period whatever the start date. For a smart tariff, Octopus says it takes around 14 days to connect to your smart meter once you're on supply, and then they email you to accept the smart tariff terms.
Get a quote for your postcode on Octopus's site and check the unit rates, the standing charge and any exit fee before you confirm.
Before you start
- Check your current deal. If you're on a fixed tariff with your current supplier, find out whether leaving early means an exit fee.
- Have your postcode, current supplier and a recent meter reading to hand, as Octopus asks for these at the quote stage.
- Check your meter type if you want a smart tariff. Octopus can connect to SMETS2 meters and to SMETS1 meters made by Secure, and your current supplier can tell you which you have. Snug Octopus, for storage heaters, needs a SMETS2.
- Decide between fixed and variable. Octopus's 12-month and 18-month fixes carry an exit fee per fuel, £50 and £75 at the time of writing, so check the tariff details at the quote stage.
What happens when you switch
- You get a quote and sign up on Octopus's site, entering your own details, as nobody else can sign up on your behalf.
- Octopus arranges the switch with your current supplier. Octopus says a domestic switch can complete in as little as two working days, or you can pick a later date.
- You have a 14-day cooling-off period, whatever the start date, if you change your mind.
- Octopus says your first payment is taken six working days after you sign up or on your switch date, whichever is later.
- Your old supplier sends a final bill.
Moving to a smart tariff afterwards
You can't join a smart tariff such as Go or Cosy directly from another supplier, because Octopus has to be supplying you before it can read your smart meter, so it puts you on a standard tariff first. Once you're on supply Octopus says connecting to the meter takes around 14 days, after which you accept the smart tariff terms by email and the tariff changes over.
Which smart tariff fits depends on what you have at home:
| What you have | Octopus tariff built for it |
|---|---|
| An EV or plug-in hybrid, any charger | Octopus Go |
| An EV or charger Octopus can control | Intelligent Octopus Go |
| A heat pump, electric boiler or electric radiators | Cosy Octopus |
| Storage heaters controlled by a SMETS2 meter | Snug Octopus |
| Solar panels and a battery | Octopus Flux, with an Octopus export tariff (Octopus lists Intelligent Octopus Flux as temporarily unavailable) |
| A battery, EV or heat pump you can schedule around the price | Agile Octopus |
| None of these, but a smart meter | Agile Octopus or Octopus Tracker |
Flux also needs an export MPAN and a copy of your installation's MCS certificate before Octopus can complete the move, and Octopus can apply for the MPAN for you.
If you're already with Octopus
None of this applies, as you change tariff from your online account, and account or tariff questions go to hello@octopus.energy.
What to do next
Check your meter type and any exit fee on your current deal, then get a quote from Octopus for your postcode. Once the switch is through and your meter's connected, pick the smart tariff that matches the kit you have. Octopus's smart tariffs page has the current eligibility rules for each one.
Common questions
How long does it take to switch to Octopus?
Octopus says a switch can complete in as little as two working days, or you can pick a later date. You get a 14-day cooling-off period whatever the start date.
Can I join a smart tariff like Go or Cosy straight away?
No. Octopus puts you on a standard tariff first and connects to your smart meter, which takes around 14 days, then emails you to accept the smart tariff terms and the tariff changes over.
What do I need before I switch?
Your postcode, your current supplier and a recent meter reading. It's also worth checking whether your current fixed deal charges an exit fee for leaving early.
Newsletter
Get the new figures when tariffs and grants change
When the price cap, an Octopus tariff or a grant like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme changes, we email you the new figures and which of our guides they affect. That's at most once a month, and we never pass your address to installers or suppliers.