Octopus Tracker tarriff?

[Onlyadaughter]

Hi, I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to switch to this? Current Octopus customer on their flexible tariff, single person in small house. I couldn't see it listed when I looked at tariff options on my account but had read about it elsewhere (Reddit) and was curious. I'm currently paying low monthly amounts as trying to be careful with energy use however they have been taking double that off my credit to make up for what was actually used. The fixed options I've looked at would be around a tenner more.

You get back what you've not used as credit is that correct? So if they take say 60 quid from me each month but I don't use all that it just goes as credit? Just wondering what would be the best option, one of the fixed options or the tracker if it's available (all these options confuses me..) .

Thanks

This happens with whichever tariff you are on and with any provider.

You only ever pay for what you use. The amount they take is just a guide.

Octopus are fairly good with refunding credit, but you need to ask them.
From my reading of their information, I think you need to be “on it” to get the best of the smart tariffs. E.g. I have a neighbour who tries very hard not to use any electricity during early evening as her electricity is expensive then, so they eat early or later on.
There is a tariff which amends the price regularly during the day, advised the day before, so you have to plan your usage.
I'm on tariff for electric car owners and get cheap overnight electricity , so I top up the batteries, run the dishwasher and do the washing at those rates. ( all electric house )
if you don’t want the faff, go for a fix would be my comment.

If you live alone it's up to you alone to choose to do without or pay possibly very high rates if the price goes up at times of high demand.

It would probably be worth working out how much the extra would be eg would your evenings heating and cooking be an extra 50p, £5 or a higher amount. How quickly would you negate savings by using the heating in winter or are you always likely to be ahead?

Remember if you've had cheaper bills you've effectively banked a decent amount you can draw on before the agile tariff becomes more expensive.

Thanks everyone, I did some comparisons and decided to go with the fixed option for now at least. So will see how things go.