Problem getting Octopus smart meter tariffs?

[Alan Ambrose]

Hmm, I just moved two properties (on two separate accounts FWIW) to Octopus so I could use some of the smart-meter tariffs that they advertise.

 

Each location showed (and still shows) about 10 options for variable domestic tariffs on Octopus's quotes page.

 

One property had a smart meter already and was switched to Octopus on 1st July, one was switched to Octopus 23rd March and has had a smart meter installed by Octopus 3 weeks ago. Octopus is picking up meter data from both properties and showing it on both their app and account web page.

 

Now I'm signed up, under the 'change my tariff' button, both accounts show only 'Local Octopus 12M Fixed' and 'Flexible Octopus' i.e. no smart meter tariffs. I actually wanted the 'Tracker' tariff for both properties.

 

I have been onto Octopus support many times now, and they have no idea (or are not saying) what is going on. One one account I'm getting this kind of thing:

 

"We do offer a range of tariffs, but availability can vary depending on your location and meter type.
I understand that this may be frustrating, but we always aim to offer the best possible tariffs to our customers based on their specific circumstances."

 

They are, of course, still advertising 10 domestic variable rate tariffs at this post code.

 

 O n the other account, I specifically asked to be moved to the 'Tracker' tariff. The response was:

 

"Unfortunately, only 50000 members could go on this tariff these spaces have been filled so we cannot put you automatically on this tariff."

 

They are, of course, still advertising 10 domestic variable rate tariffs, including 'Tracker', at this post code.

 

 

Now that's just blatant bait-and-switch, false advertising stuff. So:

 

(1) Is Octopus BS? Fodder for Martin Lewis / Which / Advertising Standards etc?

(2) Are their systems just screwed up and their support people too dumb or misinformed to tell?

(3) Will their systems eventually catch up, and make the smart meter tariffs available?

(3) Something else?

 

TIA, Alan 

 

 

 

 

[Temp]

5 hours ago, Alan Ambrose said:

Unfortunately, only 50000 members could go on this tariff these spaces have been filled so we cannot put you automatically on this tariff."

 

They are, of course, still advertising 10 domestic variable rate tariffs, including 'Tracker', at this post code.

 

Over the years I've made 4 or 5 complaints to the advertising standards authority (not about Octapus!) and they have taken action each time. They anonymise complaints so the company doesn't get to see your name and they do eventually tell you the outcome.

 

 

[Alan Ambrose]

I did just issue a complaint to the ASA.

 

I think playing dumb about the smart tariffs they advertise while claiming at the same time to be "The only energy firm we’ve awarded Which? Recommended Provider status to more than twice" ... is definitely not "legal, decent, honest or truthful".