Knowledge base
Plain-English Octopus guides for real decisions
Use these guides when a quote, bill or smart-tariff rule needs translating. The aim is not to make every Octopus product sound right for everyone, but to help you spot the tariff, tool or next check that actually fits your home.
Last reviewed 5 June 2026
How to use this hub
Use the guides as a map, then verify live rates before switching
Start with the problem
Pick the guide that matches the thing you are trying to prove: a switch, a bill, a meter issue, an EV setup or a solar/battery decision.
Then check your own numbers
Use live postcode rates, account quotes and meter evidence before treating any guide as a final tariff decision.
Keep the referral step separate
If Octopus still fits after the checks, use the referral page for the signup step rather than letting the credit drive the decision.
Good starting point
Go and Intelligent Go
Start here if you are weighing up overnight EV charging, whole-home cheap windows and the difference between a fixed cheap slot and smart charging.
Good starting point
Standing charges explained
A calmer explanation of the daily charge on a bill, why it can move differently from unit rates and what to check before judging a tariff.
Good starting point
Import vs export vs generation
Useful for solar households comparing what they generate, what they use from the grid and what Octopus pays for exported energy.
Choose by situation
What are you trying to work out?
New to Octopus
Switching basics, first-month checks and what changes after you move supplier.
Choosing a tariff
Agile, Tracker, Go, Intelligent Go, Cosy and Flux without the marketing shorthand.
Checking a bill
Direct Debits, credit balances, standing charges and smart-meter gaps.
Planning an upgrade
EV charging, solar, batteries and heat pumps, with the trade-offs kept separate.
All guides