The energy market in the UK has been undergoing a lot of changes and challenges in the past year. With the cost of living crisis, the rising wholesale prices, the price cap, and the collapse of many smaller suppliers, customers may be wondering which energy company is the best for them in 2024.
Top 10 Energy Companies In England
In this article, we will review the top 10 energy companies in the UK based on their customer satisfaction, service quality, value for money, and environmental performance. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the energy market and how to switch to a better deal.
1. Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy is the only Which? Recommended Provider for the sixth year in a row. It has the highest customer score of 73% and the highest score in our behind-the-scenes assessment of company practices. Octopus Energy offers 100% renewable electricity and gas, and has a range of innovative tariffs and products, such as Agile Octopus, which lets customers benefit from cheaper prices when demand is low2. Octopus Energy also has a strong customer service, with fast and helpful responses via email, phone, and online chat.
2. Green Energy UK
Green Energy UK is a small supplier that provides 100% renewable electricity and 100% green gas, which is sourced from biomethane, a by-product of organic waste. Green Energy UK has a high customer score of 67%, and a four-star rating for its customer service, value for money, and bills. Green Energy UK also has a unique pricing model, where customers pay a fixed annual membership fee and a variable unit rate, which is based on the wholesale cost of energy. This means that customers can save money when the wholesale prices are low, and have more transparency over their energy costs.
3. Ecotricity
Ecotricity is one of the oldest and most established green energy suppliers in the UK. It supplies 100% renewable electricity and green gas, which is partly sourced from biomethane and partly offset by carbon reduction projects. Ecotricity has a customer score of 59%, and a four-star rating for its environmental performance. Ecotricity also invests in renewable energy generation and supports various environmental and social causes, such as veganism, animal welfare, and forest conservation.
4. OVO Energy
OVO Energy is one of the largest independent suppliers in the UK, with over 5 million customers. It supplies 100% renewable electricity and gas, and has a range of tariffs and services, such as OVO Beyond, which offers carbon-neutral energy, tree planting, and energy-saving tips. OVO Energy has a customer score of 58%, and a four-star rating for its bills and environmental performance. OVO Energy also has a loyalty program, OVO Rewards, which gives customers points for staying with the company, paying on time, and referring friends.
5. Co-op Energy
Co-op Energy is part of Octopus Energy, and shares the same customer service, tariffs, and renewable energy supply. Co-op Energy has a customer score of 57%, and a four-star rating for its customer service, value for money, and bills. Co-op Energy also has a community benefit scheme, where customers can choose to donate their rewards points to local community energy projects.
6. Bulb
Bulb is a fast-growing supplier that provides 100% renewable electricity and 100% carbon-neutral gas, which is offset by supporting carbon reduction projects around the world. Bulb has a customer score of 56%, and a four-star rating for its value for money and environmental performance. Bulb also has a simple and transparent pricing, with one variable tariff that reflects the wholesale cost of energy. Bulb also has a referral program, where customers can earn £50 for each friend they invite to join Bulb.
7. E.ON Next
E.ON Next is the new brand of E.ON, one of the Big Six energy suppliers in the UK. It supplies 100% renewable electricity and gas, and has a variety of tariffs and services, such as E.ON Next Drive, which offers cheaper rates for electric vehicle owners. E.ON Next has a customer score of 55%, and a four-star rating for its bills. E.ON Next also has a smart home hub, E.ON Home, which lets customers control their heating, lighting, and appliances from their smartphone.
8. EDF
EDF is another Big Six energy supplier that provides 100% renewable electricity and gas, and has a range of tariffs and services, such as EDF GoElectric, which offers discounts for electric vehicle owners. EDF has a customer score of 54%, and a four-star rating for its environmental performance. EDF also has a smart home device, EDF Energy Hub, which lets customers monitor and manage their energy usage and carbon footprint.
9. Shell Energy
Shell Energy is the new name of First Utility, which was acquired by Shell in 2018. It supplies 100% renewable electricity and gas, and has a variety of tariffs and services, such as Shell Energy Broadband, which offers fast and reliable internet access. Shell Energy has a customer score of 49%, and a four-star rating for its bills. Shell Energy also has a loyalty program, Shell Go+, which gives customers discounts on fuel, food, and drinks at Shell service stations.
10. SSE Energy Services
SSE Energy Services is the new name of SSE, which was sold to OVO Energy in 2020. It supplies 100% renewable electricity and gas, and has a range of tariffs and services, such as SSE Boiler Cover, which offers protection and maintenance for boilers and heating systems. SSE Energy Services has a customer score of 48%, and a four-star rating for its customer service. SSE Energy Services also has a smart meter app, SSE Smart, which lets customers view their energy usage and top up their credit.
Conclusion
Choosing the best energy company for you depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. However, based on our research and analysis, we recommend Octopus Energy as the best energy supplier in the UK for 2024. It has the highest customer satisfaction, service quality, value for money, and environmental performance, and offers a range of innovative and flexible tariffs and products.
If you are interested in switching to Octopus Energy, or any other energy supplier, you can use our free and impartial comparison tool to find the best deal for you. Simply enter your postcode and some details about your current energy usage and supplier, and we will show you the best offers available in your area. You can then compare the prices, features, and reviews of each supplier, and choose the one that suits you best. Switching is easy and hassle-free, and you can save up to £300 a year on your energy bills.
Most Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions that customers have about the energy market and how to switch to a better deal.
Q: How do I switch energy supplier?
A: Switching energy supplier is easy and hassle-free. You can use our free and impartial comparison tool to find the best deal for you. Simply enter your postcode and some details about your current energy usage and supplier, and we will show you the best offers available in your area. You can then compare the prices, features, and reviews of each supplier, and choose the one that suits you best. Once you have selected a supplier, you can confirm your switch online or over the phone. Your new supplier will then contact your old supplier and arrange the transfer of your supply. You don’t need to do anything else, except provide a final meter reading to your old supplier and pay any outstanding balance. The whole process usually takes around 21 days, and you won’t experience any interruption to your supply or service.
Q: How do I know if I’m on the best energy deal?
A: The best energy deal for you depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. However, a good way to check if you’re on the best energy deal is to compare your current tariff with the other offers available in the market. You can use our free and impartial comparison tool to do this. Simply enter your postcode and some details about your current energy usage and supplier, and we will show you the best offers available in your area. You can then compare the prices, features, and reviews of each supplier, and see if you can find a better deal. If you can, you can switch to the new supplier and save money on your energy bills.
Q: What is the price cap and how does it affect me?
A: The price cap is a limit on how much energy suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs (SVTs) and default tariffs. These are the tariffs that customers are automatically put on when their fixed-term contract ends, or when they move into a new home without choosing a supplier. The price cap is set by the energy regulator, Ofgem, and is reviewed every six months. The price cap is meant to protect customers from being overcharged by suppliers, and to encourage them to