Martin Lewis issues advice for Octopus Energy customers over new price cap hike

Martin Lewis has issued a piece of advice to Octopus Energy customers and other energy users after the Ofgem price cap rise that has seen bills soar to an alarming £1,717 on average

Martin Lewis, the consumer champion and MoneySavingExpert founder, has given valuable advice to Octopus Energy customers amidst the new Ofgem price cap rise. The hike has seen average bills skyrocket to £1,717 from October 1.

Taking to social media, the respected figure behind the BBC Sounds podcast advised: "If you are genuinely struggling, it's always worth speaking to the energy firm. And if you are vulnerable, also ask to be put on the Priority Services Register."

This guidance came after he shared a tweet from a customer expressing gratitude on Tuesday, October 1: "Martin, I contacted Octopus and said I was struggling on a low income. They asked me to complete a budget, which I did, and they have cancelled my standing charge for 3 months. Always worth asking if you're struggling. Thumbs up to octopus."

In contrast, another individual expressed frustration with British Gas's unresponsiveness: "Not with British Gas as if you can't email and we wrote to British Gas about five weeks ago, Martin, about estimates they never have replied."

Nonetheless, someone else found success in securing a fixed deal, saying: "Fixed last night Martin at 3am on my break on nightshift BG 1 year fix," as reported by Birmingham Live.

Octopus Energy has seen a wave of customer endorsements recently. One contented customer shared their satisfaction on Twitter, stating: "@OctopusEnergy well done to you guys. One of many reasons I'm still a customer of yours."

Meanwhile, questions poured in from another user: "When are the tariffs on cheapenergyclub updated? When comparing it still uses the pre 1/10 tariffs for my current contract, resulting in everything more expensive than what I'm on at the moment.."

Amidst these conversations, someone raised an interesting point: "If energy companies have fixed rates without putting up prices by 10% then they could have simply not put prices up on standard tariffs? " On a different note, a savvy consumer took control by saying, "Fixed today with E-on who was my price cap supplier - did it before the news from the Middle East which I can only imagine may make prices rise."

As for household energy bills, they're set to increase by £149 annually after Ofgem announced a price cap hike.

The cap is set to rise from £1,568 to £1,717 for a typical dual fuel home in England, Scotland, and Wales, amounting to roughly £12 extra per month.