Imagine a smart energy tariff that seamlessly optimises your solar panels and battery, ensuring you buy and sell electricity at the most cost-effective rates—this is exactly what Intelligent Octopus Flux offers.
With solar panels, any excess energy you generate can be exported back to the grid, further increasing your savings. The right tariff can significantly impact how much you earn while reducing your energy costs.
Here’s everything you need to know about Intelligent Octopus Flux and how it can help you get the most out of your solar and battery system.
Quick Takeaways:
- ✅ Maximises the efficiency of your solar and battery system for smarter energy use.
- ✅ Optimised rates ensure you get the best value when buying and selling electricity.
- ✅ Exclusive to GivEnergy batteries, so compatibility is essential.
- ✅ Requires a smart meter with half-hourly readings for accurate tracking and billing.
What is Intelligent Octopus Flux?
Intelligent Octopus Flux (IOF) is a smart variable tariff designed for homes with solar panels and compatible batteries. It automatically optimises your battery’s charge and discharge cycles, ensuring you save money and maximise your returns without the need for manual scheduling.
Unlike standard tariffs, IOF adjusts to market prices, automatically exporting surplus energy when rates are highest and charging your battery when rates are lowest. This automation removes the hassle of manually setting schedules, ensuring your energy use is always optimised for cost savings.
How Does IOF Work?
IOF takes control of your battery to reduce net energy costs and make the most of your solar generation. It splits battery charging into two key periods:
🔋 Off-Peak Charging (Overnight & Daytime)—Your battery charges using the cheapest and greenest energy available. This includes a mix of solar energy and off-peak grid electricity. If your solar panels generate excess energy, it is exported to the grid.
☀️ Afternoon Discharging (4–7 p.m. Peak Period)—Electricity rates peak during these hours. Your battery prioritises exporting surplus energy to the grid when rates are highest, maximising your earnings.
Since IOF ensures that import and export rates always match, your bill remains unaffected whether your battery is charged via solar or from the grid overnight.
What Rates Does Intelligent Octopus Flux Offer?
The rates vary by region, as Octopus Energy adjusts pricing based on the cost of wholesale electricity. Here’s a breakdown of the current rates (all figures in pence per kWh):
| City | Peak Import | Off-Peak Import | Peak Export | Off-Peak Export |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 28.62 | 21.45 | 28.62 | 21.45 |
| Bristol | 29.02 | 21.77 | 29.02 | 21.77 |
| Cardiff | 29.39 | 22.04 | 29.39 | 22.04 |
| Edinburgh | 28.75 | 21.56 | 28.75 | 21.56 |
| London | 30.82 | 23.12 | 30.82 | 23.12 |
| Manchester | 28.52 | 21.39 | 28.52 | 21.39 |
| York | 27.82 | 20.87 | 27.82 | 20.87 |
Note: Rates are subject to change based on wholesale electricity prices.
How Do You Qualify for Intelligent Octopus Flux?
To be eligible for IOF, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- ✅ Own a solar panel system and a GivEnergy battery (IOF is currently only compatible with GivEnergy systems).
- ✅ Have a smart meter that provides half-hourly readings.
- ✅ Be an existing Octopus Energy customer with both an import and export tariff (you can sign up for Octopus Flux or Octopus Outgoing first).
- ✅ Use a smartphone or tablet running iOS v15.0+ or Android v7+ to manage smart charging via the Octopus Energy app.
Signing up is easy—simply go to the Intelligent Octopus section in the Octopus app, follow the prompts, and connect your GivEnergy account to enable smart automation.
How Does IOF Compare to Octopus Flux?
| Feature | Intelligent Octopus Flux | Octopus Flux |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Control | Automatic | Manual |
| Import Rates | Lower | Higher |
| Export Rates | Higher (4-7pm peak) | Lower |
| Battery Compatibility | GivEnergy only | Any battery |
| Optimisation | AI-driven (weather forecasts & energy usage tracking) | Manual scheduling |
🚀 Key Takeaway: IOF is the smarter choice if you own a GivEnergy battery, as it automates charging and discharging for maximum efficiency and higher savings.
How Much Can You Earn with Intelligent Octopus Flux?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, annual savings range from £310 to £690, depending on location and home energy usage.
By exporting excess electricity during peak hours and charging your battery at the lowest rates, you can significantly reduce your reliance on expensive peak-time electricity.
Related solar guides:
- How many solar panels do you need?
- Smart Export Guarantee
- Can you install solar panels in a conservation area?
- Best 4kw solar system with battery storage
- Sunshine hours map UK
- Best Solar Panels
- Solar panel output calculator
How to Sign Up for Intelligent Octopus Flux
Switching to IOF is quick and hassle-free. Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Check Compatibility—Ensure you have a GivEnergy battery, solar panels, and a smart meter.
2️⃣ Sign Up for an Octopus Tariff—If you’re not already a customer, switch to Octopus Flux or Octopus Outgoing.
3️⃣ Apply for IOF—Use the Octopus Energy app or website to enrol in Intelligent Octopus Flux.
4️⃣ Link Your Battery—Login to your GivEnergy account via the Octopus app to enable smart charging.
Octopus Energy will handle the switch, and your tariff will be fully activated once connected.
Final Thoughts
Intelligent Octopus Flux is a game-changer for solar panel and battery owners. By taking full advantage of smart automation and matching import/export rates, IOF ensures you save more and earn the best possible returns from your stored energy.
If you own a GivEnergy battery and want hassle-free energy optimisation, IOF is the best solar export tariff for you!