Source hierarchy
Primary sources are used where they are available and relevant, especially when a claim could affect whether a reader applies, chooses a tariff, or expects account credit.
- Official Octopus Energy referral pages, terms, help articles, tariff pages, and product pages.
- Ofgem regulatory and consumer information where a wider energy or smart-meter explanation is useful.
- Government sources and other reliable official bodies where they are the appropriate authority.
- Secondary reporting only where it adds useful context that cannot be obtained from the primary source, and never as a substitute for the relevant official term.
How we decide whether to cite a source
We cite the source closest to the claim, rather than relying on a general link that leaves readers to search for the evidence themselves.
Offer amounts, referral timing, eligibility stages, sign-up routes, tariff characteristics, technology requirements, and programme conditions can change. Where one of those details is central to a page, we aim to include a clear source link in the page’s source module.
Where a claim is broader or explanatory, such as a general description of a switching process, we still prioritise an official explanation and avoid presenting opinion or marketing language as fact.
Time-sensitive information
A source may have been correct when published and still need a further check later. Referral offers, product availability, rates, rewards, and supplier information can change.
- Important changing pages show a last-checked date where practical.
- We review source links when updating a page and replace a link if the source has moved or no longer supports the visible wording.
- We avoid publishing live rates or presenting an historic offer as a promise of a future result.
- If the official application differs from this website, the application, current terms, and official support information should take priority.
What a source cannot prove
A public source can explain a general rule, but it cannot determine an individual account outcome.
Eligibility, timing, tariff availability, payment outcomes, and support decisions can depend on the particular account, property, meter, payment, and current terms. Only Octopus Energy can review a live account and confirm a specific outcome.
How readers can help
If a source link is broken, a statement seems outdated, or you know of a relevant official update, please report the page and the specific wording through our corrections route.
We welcome source-based corrections because they help keep the guidance useful. Reports that include the affected URL and an official reference are usually the quickest to review.
Sources and further information
Information last checked by the Octopus Happy Customers Team on 16 August 2026
Written and reviewed by
Octopus Happy Customers Team
The Octopus Happy Customers Team researches Octopus Energy referral offers, tariffs, switching processes and common customer questions. The team reviews official information, checks important details and updates the website when relevant information changes.