Octopus Energy vs British Gas: Who is Better?

Changing your energy provider can save you money and help you find the cheapest supplier for your home. British Gas and Octopus Energy are two big suppliers in the UK. They each manage tariffs, customer service, and renewable energy in different ways.

If you are a British Gas customer thinking about changing or an Octopus Energy customer looking for better deals, this comparison can help you choose the best energy supplier for your needs.

Who is British Gas?

British Gas is the largest energy supplier in the UK. It is owned by Centrica. For more than 200 years, it has been helping gas customers and electricity customers. British Gas remains a main energy provider today.

Key Facts About British Gas

• Parent Company: Centrica
• Customer Base: Over 7.46 million homes
• Headquarters: Windsor, England
• Main Services: Gas, electricity, boiler cover, home insurance, smart meters
• Green Energy Commitment: A few renewable energy options

British Gas offers several choices like standard variable tariffs, fixed tariffs, and home services. This makes it a reliable but traditional choice for energy. However, some customers say they have faced issues with bills and longer waiting times for customer service.

Who is Octopus Energy?

Octopus Energy began in 2015 and has quickly gained popularity as an energy supplier in the UK. People recognise it for its green energy plans, excellent customer service, and affordable pricing.

Key Facts About Octopus Energy

• Customer Base: Over 7 million homes
• Headquarters: Based in London, England
• Services: They offer gas, electricity, solar panels, EV charging, and heat pumps.
• Key Feature: Provides 100% renewable electricity
• Referral Scheme: The octopus referral code gives £50 credit to both new and current customers.

Octopus Energy has special plans, such as the Tracker Tariff. This plan follows the changes in wholesale energy prices. Unlike British Gas, Octopus is increasing the number of smart meters in the East Midlands area.

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Tariffs & Pricing Comparison

When you look at Octopus Energy and British Gas, the pricing is a key factor.

Key Differences in Tariffs

• Octopus Energy has flexible deals. One of their options is the Tracker Tariff. This tariff changes every day. It is based on publicly available data from the wholesale energy market.
• British Gas uses the energy price cap. However, they do not have time-of-use tariffs. So, customers cannot save money during cheaper hours.
• Octopus Energy is a better choice for green energy. They offer 100% renewable electricity. On the other hand, British Gas only has a mix that is partly renewable.

Smart Meter Options and Benefits

Both British Gas and Octopus Energy offer smart meters. These devices allow customers to track their energy usage. This helps them manage their energy supply better.

Smart Meter Features

Payment Options & How to Pay Your Bill

Both suppliers allow multiple payment methods:

Customers who pay using direct debit usually enjoy lower rates. This means it is one of the cheapest ways to pay.

How to Submit Meter Readings to Octopus Energy & British Gas

Regular meter readings help ensure your bills are accurate and prevent estimated charges. Octopus Energy and British Gas allow customers to send their readings in different ways. Here’s a simple guide on how to provide your electricity and gas meter readings to both suppliers.

How to Submit a Meter Reading to Octopus Energy

Customers of Octopus Energy have several ways to send their meter readings. They can use the Octopus app, go to the website, send an email, or call on the phone.

Submit via the Octopus Energy Website

1. Log into your Octopus Energy account at octopus.energy.
2. Select “Submit a Meter Reading” in your energy account.
3. Enter your electricity and gas meter readings.
4. Review the details and submit them.

Submit via the Octopus Energy App

1. Launch the Octopus Energy app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Look for the section labeled “Meter Readings.”
3. Enter your meter readings and tap submit.

Submit via Email

You can email your meter readings and account details to [email protected].

Submit via Phone

• Call 0808 164 1088 and follow the instructions to send your readings.

Smart Meter Readings

If you have a smart meter, it sends readings to Octopus Energy automatically. You can check or update these readings in the Octopus app whenever you want.

How to Submit a Meter Reading to British Gas

British Gas customers can send their meter readings through several ways. They can use the British Gas app, the website, by phone, or via email.

Submit via the British Gas Website

1. Log in to your British Gas account at britishgas.co.uk.
2. Click on “Submit a Meter Reading” for your energy account.
3. Enter your electricity and gas meter readings.
4. Confirm and send the details.

Submit via the British Gas App

1. Get the British Gas app on your iOS or Android phone.
2. Open the “Meter Readings” section.
3. Enter your electricity and gas readings.
4. Send in the readings to make sure your bill is right.

Submit via Phone

• Call 0333 202 9802. Then, listen to the instructions to enter your readings.

Submit via Email

Send your meter readings and account number to [email protected].

Smart Meter Readings

British Gas customers with a smart meter don’t need to send manual readings. The meter updates their usage automatically.

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Customer Reviews & Trustpilot Ratings

Customer service matters a lot when choosing an energy provider. Let’s compare how Octopus Energy and British Gas perform based on Trustpilot reviews.

Trustpilot Ratings Breakdown

Corret as of 03/03/2025

Customer Feedback

• Customers of Octopus Energy appreciate its fast responses, clear bills, and green energy choices.
• British Gas customers trust its strong reputation and home services. However, they face issues with their bills and feel that customer service takes too long to respond.

Complaints Per 100,000 Customers

Source – OFGEM

British Gas received more complaints about bills. On the other hand, Octopus Energy had more complaints about meters and switching in the last year.

Switch & Save on Your Energy Bills

At Free Price Compare, we help you find the cheapest supplier. We make switching energy providers easy for you.

How to Switch & Save

• Compare energy prices – You can get a free quote to find the cheapest option.
• Check for referral code offers – The Octopus referral code gives new customers a £50 credit.
• Look for green energy options – If you want to support sustainability, Octopus Energy is 100% renewable.
• Watch for exit fees – British Gas charges £50 for each fuel. Octopus Energy does not charge any exit fees.

Correct as of 25 February 2025

FAQs About Octopus Energy vs British Gas

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