Energy is a major cost — and while the market has been volatile, comparing suppliers can still save you money and get you better service.
Best Energy Suppliers 2026
| Supplier | Best For | Customer Rating | Green Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Customer service, innovation | Excellent | 100% green |
| EDF | Established, nuclear low-carbon | Good | Green options |
| British Gas | Size, engineer network | Average | Green options |
| OVO Energy | Green energy, app | Good | 100% green |
| E.ON Next | Simplicity | Good | Green options |
| Scottish Power | Bundles, Scotland | Average | Green options |
| Utility Warehouse | Multi-service bundles | Good | Green options |
| Bulb (Octopus) | Simple tariff | Good | 100% green |
| So Energy | Value, simplicity | Good | 100% green |
Provider Breakdown
Octopus Energy
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff types | Fixed, variable, agile, tracker, EV |
| Green energy | 100% renewable electricity |
| Smart features | Agile pricing, app, integrations |
| Customer service | Award-winning |
Pros:
- Consistently highest customer satisfaction
- Innovative tariffs (Agile, Tracker)
- Great app and smart meter integration
- 100% renewable electricity
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Some tariffs require engagement
- Agile pricing can spike
- Growing fast (some teething)
Best for: Those wanting best service, green energy, smart home users.
EDF
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff types | Fixed, variable, green |
| Green energy | Green options, nuclear |
| Smart features | Good app |
| Customer service | Good |
Pros:
- Financially stable
- Low-carbon (nuclear + renewables)
- Good fixed deals
- Solid customer service
Cons:
- Not always cheapest
- Some complaints about billing
- Big company bureaucracy
Best for: Those wanting established, stable supplier with low-carbon options.
British Gas (Centrica)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff types | Fixed, variable, bundles |
| Green energy | Green options available |
| Smart features | Hive smart home |
| Customer service | Improving |
Pros:
- Largest UK supplier — scale
- Engineer network for emergencies
- Hive smart home integration
- Familiar brand
Cons:
- Often not cheapest
- Customer service historically mixed
- Can be slow to deal with
Best for: Those wanting big brand, engineer access, Hive users.
OVO Energy
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff types | Fixed, variable |
| Green energy | 100% renewable, carbon offset |
| Smart features | Good app |
| Customer service | Good |
Pros:
- 100% renewable electricity
- Good customer service
- Nice app
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Acquired many suppliers (integration issues)
- Simpler tariff range now
- Some legacy customer issues
Best for: Green-conscious customers wanting good service.
E.ON Next
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff types | Fixed, variable, green |
| Green energy | 100% renewable options |
| Smart features | Good app |
| Customer service | Good |
Pros:
- Simplified propositions
- Good app
- Green tariffs available
- Decent customer service
Cons:
- Not always cheapest
- Integration from E.ON legacy
Best for: Those wanting simplicity from established brand.
Scottish Power
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff types | Fixed, variable |
| Green energy | Green options |
| Smart features | Okay |
| Customer service | Average |
Pros:
- Strong in Scotland
- Boiler/heating bundles
- Part of Iberdrola (stable)
Cons:
- Customer service complaints
- Not always competitive
- App could be better
Best for: Scottish customers, bundle seekers.
Utility Warehouse
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff types | Bundled |
| Green energy | Options available |
| Smart features | Multi-service dashboard |
| Customer service | Good |
Pros:
- Bundle energy, broadband, mobile, insurance
- Cashback card
- Single bill convenience
- Good service
Cons:
- Best value requires full bundle
- Energy-only less competitive
- MLM-style referral marketing
Best for: Those wanting all utilities in one place.
So Energy
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff types | Simple fixed |
| Green energy | 100% renewable |
| Smart features | Basic |
| Customer service | Good |
Pros:
- Simple, competitive pricing
- 100% green
- Good customer service
- No gimmicks
Cons:
- Smaller supplier
- Fewer fancy features
- Less name recognition
Best for: Those wanting simple, competitive green energy.
Understanding Tariffs
Tariff Types
| Tariff Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Variable/Default | Rates can change (with notice) |
| Fixed | Unit rates locked for term |
| Tracker | Follows wholesale prices |
| Agile | Half-hourly pricing (smart meter) |
| Economy 7 | Cheaper overnight rates |
Fixed vs Variable
| Factor | Fixed | Variable |
|---|---|---|
| Price certainty | Locked rates | Can change |
| Price cap | Doesn’t apply | Protected by cap |
| Exit fees | Often apply | Usually none |
| Best when | Prices rising | Prices falling |
When to Fix
| Market Situation | Consider |
|---|---|
| Prices expected to rise | Competitive fixed deal |
| Prices expected to fall | Stay on variable |
| Uncertain | Shorter fix (12 months) |
| Current fix ending | Compare vs variable |
Energy Price Cap Explained
| What It Is | Details |
|---|---|
| Applies to | Variable/default tariffs only |
| Set by | Ofgem |
| Changes | Quarterly |
| What it caps | Unit rates and standing charges |
| Protection | Prevents excessive charges |
Note: The cap is not a maximum bill — it’s maximum unit rates. Your bill depends on usage.
How to Switch
The Switching Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather current usage (bills/meters) |
| 2 | Compare on comparison sites |
| 3 | Choose new supplier and tariff |
| 4 | New supplier handles switch |
| 5 | Supply continues uninterrupted |
| 6 | Final bill from old supplier |
| 7 | New billing begins |
Switching Timeline
| Stage | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Apply to new supplier | Day 0 |
| Cooling off period | 14 days |
| Switch completes | 17-21 days |
| Final bill from old | 4-6 weeks |
Before You Switch
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Current contract end date | Avoid exit fees |
| Exit fees amount | Factor into decision |
| Current tariff rates | Compare accurately |
| Debt on account | Must be settled |
Comparison Sites
| Site | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uswitch | Wide panel |
| MoneySupermarket | Good filters |
| ComparetheMarket | Also does meerkat |
| Citizens Advice | Whole-market impartial |
| Ofgem price cap compare | Shows vs cap |
Check multiple sites — they don’t all show the same deals.
Smart Meters
Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Accurate bills | No estimates |
| Half-hourly data | See usage patterns |
| Smart tariffs | Access agile/time-of-use |
| Easy switch | Readings automatic |
Considerations
| Concern | Reality |
|---|---|
| “They spy on me” | Data is regulated, you control sharing |
| “Switching issues” | Much improved — SMETS2 works |
| “I don’t want one” | Your choice, but limiting tariffs |
Green Energy
Understanding Green Claims
| Claim | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 100% renewable | Electricity matched by renewable certificates |
| Carbon offset | Emissions compensated (variable quality) |
| Actually generates | Owns/operates renewable generation |
| Green gas | Biogas or carbon offset — less clear |
Greenest Suppliers
| Supplier | Renewable Electricity | Green Gas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus | 100% | Some | Owns generation |
| Ecotricity | 100% | Green gas | Pioneer |
| Good Energy | 100% | Green gas | Owns generation |
| OVO | 100% | Offset | Carbon conscious |
| Bulb | 100% | 10% green gas | Now Octopus |
Reducing Energy Bills
Quick Wins
| Action | Potential Saving |
|---|---|
| Switch to competitive tariff | £50-300/year |
| Smart thermostat | 10-15% heating |
| LED bulbs | £40/year |
| Draught proofing | £25/year |
| Turn off standby | £55/year |
| Lower thermostat 1°C | £80/year |
Bigger Investments
| Investment | Potential Saving |
|---|---|
| Loft insulation | £180/year |
| Cavity wall insulation | £185/year |
| Solar panels | Varies hugely |
| Heat pump | 30-50% heating |
| Double/triple glazing | £110/year |
If You Can’t Pay
Get Help
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Contact supplier | Payment plans available |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 off bill (eligible households) |
| Cold Weather Payment | £25 per cold week |
| Fuel vouchers | From energy charities |
| Priority Services | Extra support if vulnerable |
Never
| Don’t | Why |
|---|---|
| Ignore bills | Debts grow, supply at risk |
| Disconnect safety | Dangerous |
| Use dangerous alternatives | Risk of harm |
Switching Checklist
| Before Switching | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Current contract end date | ☐ |
| Any exit fees | ☐ |
| Annual usage (kWh) | ☐ |
| Current unit rates | ☐ |
| Smart meter? | ☐ |
| Any debt on account | ☐ |
| When Comparing | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Total annual cost | ☐ |
| Exit fees on new deal | ☐ |
| Customer service ratings | ☐ |
| Green credentials | ☐ |
| Smart meter compatibility | ☐ |