Martin Lewis issues price cap message to Octopus, OVO, Eon and other energy customers

Consumer champion and Money Saving Expert website founder Martin Lewis has delivered a timely message to Octopus and other energy customers after the new Ofgem price cap increase. The Money Saving Expert's words come after average bills climbed to £1,717 from October 1.

The BBC Sounds podcaster, ITV presenter and well-known money expert leapt into action on social media to offer advice to his followers after an energy user spoke of their experiences. That person was an Octopus customer - although Martin's advice applies to any energy customer.

"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," said Martin.

His guidance comes after retweeting a message from a grateful customer who took to Twitter on Tuesday, October 1, expressing: "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."

Another even shared their own success story, stating: "Fixed last night Martin at 3am on my break on nightshift BG 1 year fix," as reported by Birmingham Live.

Customer praise for Octopus Energy's dealings came from many others, too. A satisfied customer tweeted: "@OctopusEnergy well done to you guys. One of many reasons I'm still a customer of yours."

Other issues were raised in the same discussion. Another posed the question: "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."

One person asked: "If energy companies have fixed rates without putting up prices by 10% then they could have simply not put prices up on standard tariffs?" Elsewhere, a consumer said: "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."

The average household energy bill will go up by £149 a year as a result of Ofgem's price cap rise. The regulator has raised the cap from £1,568 for a typical dual fuel household in England, Scotland and Wales to £1,717. That adds up to about £12 a month more on average.