What should I do if I receive a postal energy bill at the start of my tenancy?
If your new energy supplier is Octopus Energy, it’s normal to receive a postal bill from the previous supplier when you first move in. This article explains why that happens, what to do with those bills, and how we’ll support you through the process.
When you move into a property where Octopus Energy is your new supplier, they begin supplying your energy from the day your tenancy starts. However, Octopus only begins billing after 14 days, which means you may still receive a postal bill from the previous energy supplier at that address.
👉 You will also receive a final bill from your previous supplier (if you’ve switched from another provider). This bill is your responsibility to pay, and we kindly ask that you upload a copy of it to your Homebox portal so we have visibility.
✅ What You Need to Do:
1. Check the Bill
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Look at the dates on the bill.
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If the billing period is from before your tenancy began, the bill likely belongs to the landlord or previous tenant.
🔍 Tip: You can usually find the billing period on the first page of the letter.
2. Upload the Bill
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If the bill covers the period after you moved in, upload a photo or PDF of the bill to your Homebox portal under the “Postal Bills” section.
📤 Important: Upload as soon as possible so we can take action on your behalf.
3. If It’s Not Your Bill
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If the bill is clearly for a time before your tenancy started, send a photo of it to your landlord or letting agent so they can handle it appropriately.
💡 What Happens Next?
Once you upload the correct bill, we’ll take care of the rest—from verifying the details to contacting the supplier if needed. You don’t need to do anything else.
📣 Reminder:
Always upload any postal bills related to energy within a few days of receiving them to avoid delays or confusion.