The UK's Energy Titans: A Closer Look

(The Big 6... and more)

Energy Suppliers

In the UK's dynamic energy market, six major suppliers dominate the scene. They're not only giants due to their size; each brings their own unique selling points to the table. Let's dive into who these big players are, their customer base, and what sets them apart.

1. E.ON Next

E.ON Next is part of E.ON group, which supplies energy to over 30 countries around Europe. E.ON was originally one of the big six energy suppliers, but they re-branded into E.ON Next. This had no effect on their customer base. E.ON Next are basically the same as E.ON, but they only supply domestic meters or small/medium businesses. Npower (Link to Npower bit further down) who are powered by E.ON took on all Industrial and large business meters. E.ON Next currently supplies over 5.6 million gas and electric customers. They have 4.4 stars on trust pilot.

E.On Next 🌱

Pros

  • Efficient installation and management of smart meters
  • Renewable energy options available

Cons

  • Customers reporting issues with billing accuracy.
  • Exit fees apply

2. British Gas

With over 7 million domestic customers and over 500,000 commercial customers, British Gas is has the biggest market share out of all the suppliers at 27.8%. They stand out with their comprehensive home services, offering not merely energy but also boiler cover and smart home solutions. Their focus on customer service and innovative products like smart meters positions them as a market leader. They are rated 4.2 stars on trust pilot.

British Gas 🔥

Pros

  • Reliable customer service with quick response times and helpful engineers.
  • Reputable supplier
  • Offers 100% renewable plans

Cons

  • Higher prices compared with competitors
  • May have higher premiums for high-risk sectors like hospitality

3. EDF Energy

EDF Energy has approximately 5 million customers, and their commitment to low-carbon energy is the crown jewel in their collection of selling points. A leader in sustainability, they're passionate about renewable energy, making them a go-to energy choice for eco-conscious consumers. They are rated 4.6 stars on trust pilot.

EDF Energy🌻

Pros

  • Offer green energy & smart meters.
  • Offer fixed business online tariff - discounts for choosing online

Cons

  • Customers raising issues with DD adjustments.
  • Call centres outside UK, so deal with someone different every time

4. OVO Energy

After acquiring SSE Energy’s customer base in 2019, OVO Energy now has over 4.5 million customers. OVO Energy also took on Boost Energy’s customers in September 2024. Their green energy plans and tree-planting initiative make them a favourite energy source for the environmentally aware. In addition, their customer service and their continual investment in cutting-edge technology earn them high marks. They have 4.5 stars on trust pilot.     

OVO Energy 🪴

Pros

  • Good customer service setup
  • OVO Live - Get exclusive access to concerts *At selected venues – Get exclusive access to concerts *At selected venues

Cons

  • Can be expensive compared to other suppliers

5. Scottish Power

Scottish Power has about 5 million customers. What sets them apart is that they are the first large UK energy company to generate 100% green electricity. Their 38 onshore windfarms in operation throughout the UK are a testament to their commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability. They are rated 4.3 stars on trust pilot.

Scottish Power 🍃

Pros

  • Offers 100% green energy tariffs and renewable technologies - EV, solar, heat pumps.
  • Scottish Power Hardship Fund helps people on lower incomes who are struggling to pay their energy bills.

Cons

  • High volume of complaints about slow customer service and billing issues.

6. Npower

With approximately 3 million customers, Npower is known for competitive pricing and a variety of tariff options. Npower is the biggest Industrial and Commercial supplier in the UK, catering to a broad range of customer needs, they focus on affordability without compromising on service. Npower are now ran by E.ON with 4.1 stars on trust pilot.

Npower⚡

Pros

  • Good customer service when issues are escalated
  • Offers discounts if you pay by direct debit

Cons

  • Frequent complaints about billing issues

Honourable Mentions

There are 37 energy suppliers within the UK, which means there are many great suppliers worth considering which are missed from the big 6 list. Although you may not be familiar with some of these companies, they are definitely still worth considering. 

1. Pozitive Energy

Pozitive Energy stands out with its bespoke business energy solutions. Pozitive have over 100,000 customers. They offer a personalized approach, ensuring businesses get the energy solutions best suited for their specific needs. They have 4.2 stars on trust pilot.

PE (Pozitive Energy)💡

Pros

  • A great option for new companies with lack of credit.
  • Offers free meter installations.

Cons

  • Some customers reported billing and portal issues

2. Yu Energy

Yu Energy is carving a niche in the business energy market as well. Yu Energy have around 45,000 customers around the UK. Their focus on tailored business services, along with their competitive pricing and excellent customer service, makes them a strong contender. They have 4.2 stars on trip advisor.

Yu Energy ☀️

Pros

  • Offers 100% green energy.
  • Fast response times.
  • Offers discounts for Dual Fuel

Cons

  • Reported issues with billing and meter readings being estimated

3. Tomato Energy

Tomato Energy, a newer entrant, with approximately 16,000 customers. Tomato focuses on simplicity and billing transparency. They’re gaining a foothold with their straightforward approach and commitment to making energy bills easier to understand. Tomato Energy has 4.2 stars on trust pilot.

Tomato Energy 🍅

Pros

Cons

  • Customers experience issues with the MyWatts portal
  • Can have slow response times

4. Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy was founded in 2016 and has over 6.8 million customers. Octopus is known for its award-winning customer service, transparency, and fair prices. They have 4.8 stars on trust pilot.

Octopus Energy 🐙

Pros

  • Great customer service

Cons

  • Not the best at meeting its smart meter installation targets

The UK energy market is diverse and competitive. While the big six continue to lead, emerging companies like Pozitive Energy, Yu Energy, Tomato Energy and Octopus are bringing fresh perspectives and innovations. This industry promises to keep evolving, offering consumers a wide array of choices to suit their unique energy needs.

If you need help gathering prices for your new energy contract, we can provide you with quick quotes.


Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk for any queries, and we will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible.


This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

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