Octopus Energy vs OVO Energy: Who Offers the Best Tariffs?

April 8th, 2025
Octopus Energy vs OVO Energy: Who Offers the Best Tariffs?

Switching energy suppliers can help lower energy costs, provide better smart meter tariffs, and improve customer service. Both Octopus Energy and OVO Energy are among the biggest energy suppliers in the UK, offering flexible and fixed tariffs, renewable electricity, and smart meters.

Who is Octopus Energy?

Octopus Energy is one of the largest energy companies in the UK, offering green energy, smart tariffs, and strong customer service.

Key Facts About Octopus Energy

  • Customer Base: Over 7 million homes
  • Headquarters: London, UK
  • Main Services: Gas, electricity, EV charging, heat pumps, solar panels
  • Smart Meter Focus: Flexible Octopus, Agile Octopus, and Tracker Tariffs
  • Renewable Electricity Commitment: 100% renewable energy
  • Boiler Cover: Not included

Octopus Energy is widely known for its flexible energy tariffs and smart meter integration, helping customers lower daily standing charges and energy use.

Who is OVO Energy?

OVO Energy is another leading energy supplier in the UK, offering competitive tariffs, smart meters, and boiler cover.

Key Facts About OVO Energy

  • Customer Base: Over 5 million homes
  • Headquarters: Bristol, UK
  • Main Services: Gas, electricity, EV tariffs, boiler cover
  • Smart Meter Focus: OVO Variable Tariff & Time-of-Use Tariffs
  • Renewable Electricity Commitment: Partially renewable
  • Boiler Cover: Yes (OVO Boiler Cover available)

OVO Energy is a good option for customers looking for boiler cover, peace of mind, and discounted rates on home services.

Tariffs & Pricing Comparison

Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT) & Standing Charges

Tariff Type Octopus Energy OVO Energy
Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) 24.50p/kWh electricity, 6.24p/kWh gas 24.80p/kWh electricity, 6.30p/kWh gas
Standing Charge (per day) Electricity: 60.99p, Gas: 31.66p Electricity: 62.50p, Gas: 32.10p

Fixed & Smart Tariffs

Tariff Type Octopus Energy OVO Energy
Fixed Tariff Available, varies by region Available, varies by contract
Variable Tariff Yes (Flexible Octopus) Yes (SVT)
Smart Meter Tariff Agile Octopus, Tracker Tariff OVO Drive (EV Smart Tariff)
Exit Fees No exit fees £75 per fuel (fixed tariffs)

Key Differences in Tariffs

  • Octopus Energy offers flexible smart meter tariffs, like Agile Octopus, which adjusts to market prices.
  • OVO Energy provides EV tariffs, such as OVO Drive, which allows off-peak charging at lower prices.
  • Octopus Energy does not charge exit fees, while OVO Energy applies exit fees on fixed tariffs.

Compare Energy Prices

Thinking about changing your energy provider?

Smart Meter Options and Benefits

Smart meters help customers track kWh usage, reduce energy costs, and avoid estimated bills.

Smart Meter Features Comparison

Feature Octopus Energy OVO Energy
Smart Meter Installations Yes Yes
Mobile App for Tracking Yes (Octopus App) Yes (OVO App)
Prepayment Meter Support Yes Yes
Integration with EV Tariffs Yes (Agile Octopus) Yes (OVO Drive)
  • Both suppliers offer smart meter installations.
  • OVO Energy provides a smart meter tariff for EV owners.
  • Octopus Energy’s smart meters integrate with Agile and Tracker tariffs, helping customers benefit from real-time energy price changes.

How to Pay Your Energy Bills: Octopus Energy vs OVO Energy

Payment Methods Comparison

Payment Method Octopus Energy OVO Energy
Direct Debit Yes (Monthly & Variable) Yes (Monthly & Fixed Amounts)
Prepayment Meter Yes (Smart & Traditional) Yes (Smart & Traditional)
Credit/Debit Card Yes (Online & App Payments) Yes (Online & App Payments)
Pay As You Go (PAYG) Yes (Smart PAYG Available) Yes (Smart PAYG Available)
Flexible Payment Plans Yes (Custom Plans Available) Yes (Debt Repayment Plans)
  • Octopus Energy allows flexible direct debit payments, where your bill adjusts based on actual usage.
  • OVO Energy offers boiler cover alongside its payment plans.

How to Submit Meter Readings to Octopus Energy & OVO Energy

Submitting meter readings is essential to ensure accurate billing and avoid estimated energy usage charges. Both Octopus Energy and OVO Energy allow customers to submit readings through online accounts, mobile apps, email, and customer support services.

How to Submit a Meter Reading to Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy customers can provide meter readings through multiple options, ensuring control of your energy costs while keeping up with future price changes.

Submit via the Octopus Energy Website

  1. Log in to your online account on the Octopus Energy website.
  2. Navigate to the “Submit a Meter Reading” section.
  3. Enter your electricity and gas meter readings.
  4. Click submit to update your account.

Submit via the Octopus Energy App

  1. Open the Octopus Energy app on your smartphone.
  2. Select the “Meter Readings” option.
  3. Enter your latest unit price readings for electricity – 12 months and gas.
  4. Confirm and submit your readings.

Submit via Email

Customers can email their meter readings to [email protected], including:

  • Full name and address
  • Octopus Energy account number
  • Latest meter readings (electricity and gas)

Submit via Phone

For assistance, customers can call Octopus Energy customer support and provide their meter readings over the phone.

  • Octopus Energy Contact Number: 0808 164 1088
  • Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM

How to Submit a Meter Reading to OVO Energy

OVO Energy customers can also submit their meter readings to ensure accurate billing and prevent additional costs.

Submit via the OVO Energy Website

  1. Log in to your OVO Energy online account.
  2. Navigate to the “Submit a Meter Reading” section.
  3. Input your latest energy readings based on variable rate tariff changes.
  4. Click submit to complete the process.

Submit via the OVO Energy App

  1. Open the OVO Energy app on your smartphone.
  2. Tap on the “Meter Readings” section.
  3. Enter the latest unit price and kWh gas readings.
  4. Confirm and submit.

Submit via Email

Customers can email their readings to [email protected], including:

  • OVO Energy account number
  • Property details (name and address)
  • Meter readings for electricity and gas

Submit via Phone

OVO Energy customers can call their customer service team to provide readings:

  • OVO Energy Contact Number: 0330 303 5063
  • Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM

Customer Reviews & Trustpilot Ratings

Customer feedback highlights key differences in customer service, billing accuracy, and smart meter support.

Trustpilot Ratings Breakdown

Supplier TrustScore 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1★ Total Reviews
Octopus Energy 4.8/5 90% 5% 1% 1% 3% 527,436
OVO Energy 4.5/5 74% 11% 3% 2% 10% 203,306

Trustpilot Ratings Breakdown Octopus vs OVO Energy

Correct as og 03/03/2025

  • Octopus Energy has higher customer satisfaction than OVO Energy.
  • OVO customers appreciate the boiler cover and additional services.

Complaints Per 100,000 Customers

Quarter Octopus Energy OVO Energy
Q1 2024 1,155 2,371
Q2 2024 1,598 2,119
Q3 2024 1,841 2,009
  • OVO Energy has more complaints about billing errors and contract issues.
  • Octopus Energy receives more complaints about smart meter delays.

Complaints Per 100000 Customers (Octopus vs OVO)

Switch & Save on Your Energy Bills

If you’re looking to switch, Free Price Compare helps you find the best energy tariffs based on smart meter compatibility, renewable energy, and customer service ratings.

How to Switch & Save

  • Compare energy prices – Get a free energy deal quote.
  • Check exit fees – Octopus Energy does not charge exit fees, while OVO Energy does.
  • Choose a smart meter tariff – Octopus Agile & Tracker Tariffs allow real-time pricing advantages.

Correct as of 01 March 2025

FAQs About Octopus Energy vs OVO Energy

Which supplier offers the best smart meter tariff?

Octopus Energy’s Agile and Tracker tariffs are designed for real-time energy savings, making them the best for smart meter users.

Does OVO Energy charge exit fees?

Yes, OVO Energy charges £75 per fuel on fixed tariffs, while Octopus Energy does not charge exit fees.

Which supplier has the best customer service?

Octopus Energy has a Trustpilot score of 4.8/5, higher than OVO Energy’s 4.5/5.

Compare Energy Prices

Thinking about changing your energy provider?

4000+ reviews