Octopus to Supply Energy to Ebico in New Partnership

Octopus Energy has entered a new white label partnership with not-for-profit supplier and registered social enterprise Ebico.

The deal will see Octopus supply renewable energy to Ebico’s 50,000 customers and handle their customer service through its Kraken platform. Ebico will retain its brand and responsibility for acquiring new customers.

Ebico was founded in Oxfordshire in 1998 as the UK’s first not-for-profit energy supplier, with the objective of tackling fuel poverty. It was previously supplied by SSE but in March 2017 entered a new supply partnership with Robin Hood Energy, Nottingham City Council’s supplier.

The sale of loss-making Robin Hood Energy to British Gas last September saw Ebico’s customers switched over to British Gas.

Ebico has said its new partnership with disruptor supplier Octopus will enable it to continue its mission of making home warmth affordable for low-income households.

Phil Levermore, chief executive of Ebico, said the new partners are "resolute that the interests of low-income households should not be forgotten in Britain’s vital transition to net zero.”

Ebico customers will be placed on one of two tariffs, both with renewable electricity. Ebico Prime 12 Saver will be used by credit meter customers, while customers with prepayment meters will be placed on Ebico Prepay.

Ebico will join fellow Octopus white labels Co-op Energy, Flow Energy, GB Energy and M&S Energy.

Meanwhile, Octopus signed up its two-millionth customer in February. It also reached another milestone in December, attaining a $2 (£1.5) billion valuation following a deal with Tokyo Gas that will see it enter the Asian market.

Octopus has announced its ambitions of having 100 million customers worldwide on its Kraken platform. It also wants to make the UK the “Silicon Valley of energy” and is building a new tech hub in Manchester and doubling its UK workforce this year.