UNDERSTANDING ENERGY TARIFFS
Whether it's ease of charging, reducing your carbon output or saving money, using e:PROGRESS on the right tariff will ensure you receive the maximum benefits.
So, what does each tariff offer and how does e:PROGRESS work with each one?
A TARIFF WITH MAXIMUM SAVINGS
To save you most money, consider the Agile Octopus tariff from Octopus Energy. When linked with e:PROGRESS, this tariff and Intelligent Charging plan will automatically select the lowest cost times to charge, saving you up to £2,034 a year*.
You could even benefit from negative market pricing, meaning you can sometimes be paid to charge your car!
HOME CHARGING – HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ENERGY TARIFF
Energy tariffs are the set rates that you pay to your energy provider for electricity and gas. They come in two basic types: fixed or variable.
To understand more about Tariff types, see our New to EV Home Charging information.
CHECKING YOUR CURRENT TARIFF & METER
Once you know what benefits you want to get from e:PROGRESS, we recommend you check your current energy tariff. You should be able to find your tariff on your energy bill under a section called ‘About your tariff’. You can also give your current energy supplier a quick call and they’ll tell you what your current energy tariff is. Your tariff should also be listed on your online account with your energy supplier.
You also need to check what type of meter you have and, to use a dynamic tariff, you will need a smart meter. If unsure, visit our New to Home EV Charging section to learn more about meter types.
WHEN TO SWITCH
If your current provider doesn’t offer you the rates and savings you desire, you can switch plans (if your provider and plan allows). Most fixed tariffs have an exit fee if you leave before your contract end date, £75 per fuel is common on a 12 month deal. But you can switch without paying an exit fee in 42-49 days before the tariff ends.
IDEAL TARIFFS
Octopus Energy offers a variety of tariffs to suit your needs, with Agile and Go providing the most savings when used with e:PROGRESS.
Agile Octopus
Agile Octopus is a dynamic tariff which delivers the most cost and carbon savings. It offers a different electricity price every half an hour and is linked to the wholesale market.
Octopus Go
This is a dual rate tariff which provides you with 2 rates across 24 hours, one being cheaper electricity overnight. However, charging will extend outside of this period to reach your desired level of charge.
IF YOU DON’T CHANGE YOUR TARIFF
If you don’t switch, you can still use and benefit from e:PROGRESS. For example, if you are on a standard variable or fixed rate tariff, you will pay the same price throughout the day, however e:PROGRESS enables you to use carbon optimisation to charge at the cleanest and greenest times, or you can connect your solar panels to charge during the sunniest hours.
Tariff FAQs
See our FAQs below for answers to some common questions customers ask about their energy tariff and e:PROGRESS.
You do not need to switch tariff. However, you should consider switching to a dynamic or dual rate tariff to receive the maximum cost and carbon savings from e:PROGRESS.
The Agile Octopus tariff is linked to the wholesale market offering a different electricity price every half an hour. You can see the wholesale market prices and carbon intensity here.
By using the Agile Octopus tariff your Intelligent Charging plan will automatically select the lowest cost times to charge. You could even benefit from negative market pricing, meaning you can sometimes be paid to charge your car!
Octopus Go is a dual rate tariff which offers four hours of low-cost electricity between 00:30 and 04:30, every day. Find out more here. Other providers offer dual rate tariffs.
To switch tariff, contact the energy provider you want to switch to.
Your tariff switch will complete in five working days under the Energy Switch Guarantee.
If you are on a standard variable or fixed rate tariff, you will pay the same price throughout the day. However, e:PROGRESS enables you to use carbon optimisation to charge at the cleanest and greenest times, or you can connect your solar panels to charge during the sunniest hours.
You will receive the maximum benefit from Intelligent Charging by switching to a dynamic or dual-rate tariff.
Your Intelligent Charging plan will automatically schedule your charging for the lowest cost off peak period of your dual rate tariff. With Octopus Go this is between 00:30 and 04:30, every day.
A dynamic tariff offers a different electricity price every half an hour and is linked to the wholesale market.
e:PROGRESS connects to a dynamic tariff to automatically schedule your charging at the lowest cost 30-minute intervals so you do not need to manually check prices or manage your schedule. Simply keep your vehicle connected when it is not in use and e:PROGRESS will automatically generate your Intelligent Charging plans for you.
You do not need a smart meter to use e:PROGRESS. However, you may need a smart meter to be eligible for a dual rate or dynamic tariff. Contact your energy provider for more information.
