Octopus energy to take on 1.5million Bulb customers - what it means for you

Bust energy firm Bulb - and its 1.5 million customers and 650 staff - is moving to Octopus Energy.

Octopus Energy has been appointed to take on Bulb - the 7th largest energy supplier in the UK, after it was put into ‘special administration’ by the government almost a year ago, which had effectively putting it in public ownership.

Bulb was the largest company to fail due to rising wholesale energy prices before the energy price cap was increased forcing the government into further action with the Energy Price Guarantee.

Octopus is paying the government to take on Bulb's customers and taxpayers are also expected to benefit from a profit share agreement for a period of up to four years.

Here we explain what it means for Bulb and Octopus customers.

What it means for Bulb and Octopus customers

Bulb customers are being told to sit tight. Octopus says it will be in touch with you before you’re transferred over to its systems. Until then, you'll continue to have contact with Bulb as you have been.

Octopus says its customers should notice no difference and it does not expect any meaningful impact on Octopus customers.

Octopus has also put together this information page for Bulb customers which will get updated regularly: octopus.energy/bulb (opens in new tab)

Bulb and Octopus customers eight need to knows:

• Your credit balance is protected and will be transferred to your new Octopus account. The downside is that any debt on your account will also be transferred. 
• Your direct debit will be transferred to your new octopus account. 
• Your contact details, including if you pay your bills by other means will also be transferred to your new Octopus account
• Your supply and prices won't change and you'll pay the same rates under the energy price guarantee.
• Bulb will continue to pay the monthly energy bill support scheme payments.
• Eligible Bulb customers will receive the warm home discount as planned.
• Make sure you continue to take regular meeting readings, so you have up to date usage data in the unlikely event of any issues.  
• If you do wish to switch away, you are able to do so. But it is recommended you don’t try to switch once you’ve been contacted by Octopus to begin transferring you until that process is completed.

Is it good news for Bulb and Octopus customers?

It’s been widely acknowledged as pretty good news for Bulb customers as Octopus tops TrustPilot for energy companies and is the only energy provider to have been recommended by consumer advice group Which? for five years running.

Money saving expert Martin Lewis also welcomed the news saying “The November sale of Bulb to Octopus, at 1st look, seems a decent outcome for Bulb customers.

“Octopus customer service is strongly rated and in our surveys it was the most painless firm in transferring customers (one of only 2 with a net positive rating)”. 

Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy Group, comments: “We take our responsibilities very seriously. We will work unbelievably hard to deliver value for taxpayers and to look after Bulb’s staff and customers.

“We started off as rivals but shared the same mission – driving a greener, cheaper energy system with people at the heart. We know how important this is to Bulb’s loyal customers and dedicated staff, and are determined that Octopus can provide them with a stable home for the future.”

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