If this blog post is a bit too long for you, please skip to our TLDR (too long didn’t read) section at the bottom for a quick summary!
Choosing the right energy provider can make a huge difference. Whether you’re aiming to save money on bills (who isn’t?!), reduce your carbon footprint, or simply avoid the hassle of switching energy provider every year. In the UK, the energy market offers plenty of options, from budget suppliers to eco-friendly companies. But with so many providers promising the best energy supplier deals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Whether you have just moved or looking to move house and checking off your Moving Houses Checklist, or just trying to cut down your energy bills, hopefully this blog post will provide the advice you are looking for.
This guide breaks down some of the leading gas and electricity companies in the UK, looking at their strengths, customer service, pricing, and green energy initiatives to help you make a well informed decision. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest tariff, the best customer service, or a commitment to renewable energy, we’ll help you pick the best energy supplier for your household.
British Gas: Reliable Service with History
Where else to start than the biggest player and most well known energy company in the UK – British Gas. When it comes to UK energy providers, British Gas is probably one of the first names that comes to mind. As one of the oldest and most established energy companies in the country, British Gas has a long history of supplying gas and electricity to millions of homes and has no doubt supplied your household in the past. But how does it stack up today in terms of pricing, customer service, and energy options, is it the best energy supplier in the 2024?
British Gas Energy Tariffs and Pricing
British Gas offers a range of tariffs, including fixed, variable, and also pay-as-you-go options. While they’re not always the cheapest on the market, British Gas does occasionally offer competitive deals, especially for new customers, so if you are moving houses they may be an option for you. They also provide exclusive offers for those who choose British Gas for both gas and electricity, and special deals for smart meter users too. However, it’s worth noting that some customers have found cheaper options with smaller, lesser known suppliers, particularly when comparing deals on price comparison websites, for price, British Gas is rarely the best energy supplier.
British Gas Customer Service
British Gas has quite a mixed reputation for customer service. On the one hand, they have extensive support channels, including a 24/7 helpline, live chat, and also a mobile app for managing your account. On the other hand, reviews are somewhat hit or miss, with some customers praising the reliability and accessibility of service, while others complain on long wait times and inconsistent problem resolution. However, it must be said British Gas has made improvements in recent years to help address these concerns.
Green Energy Options
In response to the growing demand for eco-friendly energy, British Gas has rolled out several green energy and renewable tariffs. They offer a 100% renewable electricity plan and also carbon offset gas options, making it easier for households to reduce their environmental impact. They’ve also introduced smart meters and energy-saving tips through their mobile app, helping users both monitor and cut down on energy usage.
Additional Perks and Services
So, what sets British Gas apart, is its comprehensive range of additional services. The company offers everything from boiler cover, home insurance, and even plumbing and electrical care plans. For customers who prefer an all-in-one solution for home services, for additional products and services British Gas has it all covered, all though not the best energy supplier for price, for an all in one solution, for Moving Houses, British Gas takes it.
Is British Gas the Best Energy Supplier for You?
British Gas might be a good choice if price isn’t your main priority, if you’re looking for a well-established provider with extensive customer support and the convenience of additional home services. However, if the lowest price is your top priority, you may find better deals elsewhere. For those interested in a green tariff with the security of a trusted brand, British Gas could be a solid option but overall, for us, their are other providers more deserving of the best energy supplier of 2024 in our opinion.
EDF Energy: A Balance Between Affordability and Sustainability
The next company we are focusing on in the hunt for the best energy supplier is EDF Energy. A major player in the UK energy market, EDF energy is known for offering a wide range of tariffs with a strong focus on sustainable energy. As a subsidiary of the French state-owned EDF Group, EDF Energy brings a mix of competitive pricing, green energy options, and solid customer service. So let’s take a closer look at what they offer:
EDF Energy Tariffs and Pricing
EDF energy provides a variety of tariffs, including fixed-rate deals, variable tariffs, and also prepayment options. While they might not always have the cheapest deals in comparison to lesser known providers, EDF is often very competitive, especially on fixed tariffs. They offer exclusive deals for new customers who switch both their gas and electricity to EDF, and there are sometimes discounts available for those who manage their accounts online!
EDF Customer Service
EDF generally scores well for customer service, rated 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot they are one of the best energy suppliers for customer service! EDF offer support through phone, live chat, and a mobile app. They’ve consistently been rated well and above average for resolving customer complaints and for the helpfulness of their service agents. Customer reviews highlight their ease of switching, clear billing format, and responsiveness, which is are key when comparing the best energy suppliers in 2024.
Green Energy Options
As with all the best energy suppliers, EDF has a focus of green energy. One of EDF’s standout features is its commitment to renewables and they offer several green tariffs, with 100% renewable electricity on selected plans. As one of the largest producers of low-carbon electricity in the UK, EDF is focused on helping customers lower their carbon footprint. The company also provides options for carbon offsetting your gas usage and also supports sustainable energy projects.
Additional Services and Perks
EDF promotes energy efficiency by offering smart meters to track your usage and control costs. Smart metres are offered by all the best energy suppliers now but EDF is one of our favourites. Their mobile app is user-friendly, helping you view your usage, bills, and access energy-saving tips also. Additionally, they provide online tools to help you estimate your energy use and choose the best tariff for your household.
They also provide services like boiler cover, heating insurance, and home emergency cover, similar to British Gas, making them a convenient option if you’re looking for more comprehensive home care. They also have a rewards programme that offers discounts and perks to loyal customers, including gift cards and exclusive deals which makes a nice change from new customer only deals.
Is EDF Energy the Best Energy Supplier for You?
EDF energy is a great fit if you’re looking for a reliable provider with a strong focus on sustainability. Again, they might not always offer the lowest prices but their tariffs are competitive, especially when you consider the quality of service and the green energy options available. EDF’s blend of affordability, customer service, and eco-friendly options makes them a good choice for those balancing price and environmental impact.
Octopus Energy: Green, Affordable and Customer-Centric
Octopus Energy has quickly emerged as one of the most popular energy providers in the UK! And there’s a good reason for why they have made it into contention for the best energy supplier. They are consistently earning high praise for their transparent pricing, commitment to green energy, and excellent customer service. As a challenger in the market, Octopus has set itself apart from the traditional big energy companies by focusing on customer satisfaction and innovation. Here’s what you need to know about Octopus Energy and why in our opinion it’s one of the best energy suppliers in the UK.
Octopus Energy Tariffs and Pricing
At Moving Houses, we aren’t going to lie, we absolutely love Octopus Energy! It’s known for offering some of the most competitive prices in the market which is one of the main reasons that makes them so popular. They provide a variety of tariffs, including fixed-rate, variable, and time-of-use tariffs such as the innovative Agile tariff. Their pricing structure is so refreshing as it’s simple, transparent, and super easy to understand, with no exit fees on their standard variable tariff. Giving customers flexibility if they ever want to switch. For competitive pricing, Octopus Energy is by far the best energy supplier on the market for us!
Octopus Energy Customer Service
One of the key reasons Octopus Energy has gained so much traction isn’t just it’s fantastic prices, its the exceptional customer service too! Octopus regularly tops customer satisfaction surveys and boasts an unbelievable 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Customers often highlighting the helpfulness and responsiveness of their support team. They are also known for clear and straightforward billing, which eliminates much of the confusion typically associated with energy bills. Octopus energy provides customer support through email, phone, as well as an easy to use online platform, and they are frequently praised for their quick resolution of issues. Based off reviews and trustpilot, we are giving Octopus energy the best energy supplier for customer support too.
Green Energy Commitment
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Octopus Energy. They provide 100% renewable electricity as standard on all tariffs. Energy sourced from wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Octopus is also a significant player in the development of green energy technology and innovation. With a commitment to making the energy market greener by encouraging the use of renewable sources. Their tariffs are designed to help customers reduce their carbon footprint. They also offer a Super Green tariff, which offsets carbon emissions for your gas usage as well, how good is that?
Tech-Driven Innovation
Octopus Energy is one of the best energy suppliers for it’s tech-driven approach. Their Agile tariff is an industry game changer, offering half-hourly electricity pricing based on wholesale costs, which means prices can even drop below zero during periods of excess renewable energy supply! They also offer the Octopus Go tariff, which is ideal for electric vehicle owners, it provides very low rates during nighttime hours when charging your EV. Their mobile app and online tools have a great user interface and make it easy to monitor energy usage and manage your account, enhancing the overall customer experience and contributing to the fantastic reviews.
Awards and Recognition
Octopus Energy’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed in the energy sector. They have received multiple awards for customer service, green energy, and innovation proving they really are one of, if not, the best energy supplier in the UK. They’re consistently ranked as one of the top providers in the UK for customer satisfaction, and they’re also a Which? Recommended Provider, further cementing their reputation as a trusted and reliable energy company.
Is Octopus Energy Best Energy Supplier for You?
If you’re looking for an energy provider that offers competitive prices, excellent customer service, and a genuine commitment to green energy, Octopus Energy is hard to beat. Their innovative tariffs and tech-driven approach make them one of the best energy suppliers on the market especially for those who want flexibility and control over their energy use. Whether you’re eco-conscious, tech-savvy, or just looking for great customer support, Octopus Energy is an excellent choice (it’s actually who the Moving Houses team use, so for us, Octopus energy – the best energy supplier)
Utility Warehouse: Bundled Savings and Simplicity
Utility Warehouse (UW) is a unique player in the UK energy market, offering more than just gas and electricity. Known for their all-in-one approach, Utility Warehouse bundles a range of household services not just energy! They also do broadband, mobile, and home insurance into one convenient package. Their concept is simple, the more services you bundle, the more you save! Here’s an overview of what gets Utility Warehouse in the conversation for best energy supplier.
Utility Warehouse Energy Tariffs and Pricing
Utility Warehouse doesn’t always claim to have the cheapest standalone energy tariffs, but that’s not where their strength lies. The advantage of Utility Warehouse is in the savings you can achieve when you combine multiple services. If you’re willing to switch your broadband, mobile, or other services to UW, you can unlock huge discounts, which makes UW a great option when Moving Houses. This approach makes them an attractive option for those who want simplicity and it makes it easy managing multiple services through just the one provider.
Utility Warehouse Customer Service
Utility Warehouse prides itself on offering personalised, UK-based customer service. While they might not have the high-tech platforms and apps offered by some of the other best energy suppliers, they make up for it with a more traditional and approachable service model. Customers appreciate having a single point of contact for all their household needs, and UW’s straightforward billing system ensures clarity across all bundled services.
Green Energy Options
While Utility Warehouse doesn’t primarily market itself as a “green energy” provider, they have made efforts to improve their environmental credentials. They now offer a Green Tariff that allows customers to offset their gas emissions and source electricity from renewable resources. However, for those focused specifically on green energy UW isn’t the best energy supplier for you, providers like Octopus or Bulb might be better suited.
Bundled Services and Membership
Utility Warehouse’s standout feature is of course their bundled service model. They encourage customers to take advantage of this by becoming UW members. UW members gain access to exclusive discounts on everyday shopping through their cashback card and members can also receive rewards for introducing friends and family. The more services you bundle, such as energy, broadband, and mobile, the more you save. For some households, this combined approach leads to huge savings and streamlines bill management.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Utility Warehouse has received various industry awards for customer service and value, cementing themselves as one of the best energy suppliers. They’ve been a Which? Recommended Provider multiple times, which underscores their commitment to offering a reliable service that customers can trust.
Is Utility Warehouse the Best Energy Supplier for You?
Utility Warehouse is a solid choice for best energy supplier if you’re looking for convenience and bundled savings. They’re particularly well suited for households that want to simplify their monthly bills by managing energy, broadband, mobile and more in one place. If you’re not focused on just getting the cheapest energy tariff and prefer an all-in-one approach, UW’s package deals and membership benefits could offer significant value to you. However, if you’re mainly interested in green energy or cutting-edge tech features, you might find other companies to be the best energy supplier for your household.
E.ON: Balancing Green Energy and Competitive Pricing
E.ON is one of the UK’s leading and best energy suppliers, providing electricity and gas to millions of homes and businesses. With a strong commitment to renewable energy and a wide range of tariffs, E.ON aims to cater to both eco-conscious and energy deal seeking consumers. So let’s take a closer look at what makes E.ON one of the best energy suppliers.
E.ON Energy Tariffs and Pricing
E.ON offers a good mix of fixed and variable tariffs, giving customers the flexibility to choose a plan that suits their needs best. While their standard tariffs are competitive, E.ON also provides special “green” tariffs that have a focus on sustainability without compromising affordability. Their fixed tariffs allow customers to lock in energy rates for a set period, helping protect against price fluctuations.
E.ON Customer Service
E.ON has invested heavily in improving its tech and digital services. Their mobile app now allows customers to easily manage their accounts, view bills, submit meter readings, and track their energy usage. Their customer service has also improved a lot in recent times, with more focus on online chat and self-service options, although the same cannot be said for their phone support which still receives a few negative reviews online.
Green Energy Options
E.ON is a standout and one of the best energy suppliers in the UK market when it comes to renewable energy. They were one of the first of the “big six” energy companies to shift entirely to providing electricity from 100% renewable sources, including wind, solar, and hydro. This was a huge step for renewables and makes them an appealing choice for those who prioritise sustainability. Additionally, they offer options to offset your gas usage, making it easier for customers to reduce their carbon footprint.
Smart Meters and Home Solutions
E.ON is a major advocate of smart meters and has been actively installing them across the UK for years now. Their smart meters come with an in-home display that lets you monitor your energy consumption live, in real-time, helping you manage your bills better. Beyond energy supply, E.ON offers various other home solutions such as solar panels, boilers, and home insulation services, making them a comprehensive provider for all things energy related.
Is E.ON the Best Energy Supplier for You?
When it comes to the best energy suppliers, E.ON is certainly up there. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a well-established provider that balances green energy with competitive pricing. Their range of green tariffs, and strong commitment to renewables make them a versatile option for both environmentally conscious consumers and those looking for a reliable service with modern digital tools. However, if you prefer a smaller, customer focused provider, you might find better service and more tailored options with companies like Octopus Energy.
The Best Energy Supplier in 2024 is......
Choosing the best energy supplier for your home comes down to your personal wants and needs. For me personally price is the main factor but for you it could be green energy, customer service, or the convenience of bundled services. But based on our comparison, here’s our final ranking and recommendations. Drum roll please….
1. Octopus Energy: Best Energy Supplier Overall
Octopus Energy ranks first for Moving Houses 2024 Best Energy Supplier! Their transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and strong commitment to renewable energy make them a fantastic option. They’ve built a reputation for putting customers first with fair, easy-to-understand tariffs and no hidden fees! Octopus also leads in innovation with their intuitive app, smart meter options, flexibility for those looking for green energy solutions and fantastic deals (click here). If you want a hassle-free experience with a focus on sustainability, Octopus Energy is the ideal choice.
2. Utility Warehouse: Best for Bundles and Savings
Utility Warehouse takes second place due to its unique proposition of bundling multiple services. You can create a custom package for energy, broadband, mobile, and insurance in one convenient package. By combining services, you can often unlock significant savings, making Utility Warehouse an excellent option for those looking to manage their bills in one place and save some pennies. Their customer service is highly rated, and the simplicity of a single bill for all your utilities is a huge plus for busy households. If convenience and bundle savings are your priority, Utility Warehouse is a strong contender for best energy supplier.
3. British Gas: Best for Established Reliability and Home Cover Options
British Gas secures third place in the best energy suppliers of 2024. As a trusted provider with decades of experience in the UK market, they offer competitive tariffs alongside home cover options, such as boiler and plumbing services, making them a good pick if you want the security of a long-established brand. While their prices aren’t the lowest, the peace of mind from having everything covered under one provider can be worth it. British Gas is perfect for those who value reliability and prefer sticking with a household name.
Honourable Mentions
- E.ON offers solid green energy options if that’s important to you, and home solutions, but it doesn’t stand out enough compared to the top three best energy suppliers for us.
- EDF has balanced pricing and decent service, but it lacks the extra perks that give other suppliers an edge.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best energy supplier depends on what you value most. Octopus Energy is the go-to for a seamless, eco-friendly experience with excellent customer support and it’s the Moving Houses number 1 choice. If you’re after savings through bundled services, Utility Warehouse has you covered. And for those who prioritise reliability, comprehensive home cover, and a well established brand, British Gas is the best fit. Each of these providers brings something unique to the table, but hopefully this post has made your decision making a little easier.
As always, we have loads of other blog posts here on Moving Houses, so please check them out! And thank you for reading!
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