Is Octopus Energy Still the Cheapest Supplier in 2025?
November 22, 2024Which energy company has the cheapest standing charges? (2025)
January 17, 2025Energy bills can be a significant expense for UK households, and many people wonder which of the Big Six energy suppliers offers the cheapest rates. The truth is, there is no single “cheapest” Big Six supplier, as prices change frequently and vary based on your location and usage.
Who are the Big Six energy suppliers?
The term “Big Six” refers to the six largest energy suppliers in the UK: British Gas, Octopus Energy, EDF, E.ON Next, Scottish Power, and OVO.
Historically, the “Big Six” energy suppliers in the UK were British Gas, E.ON, EDF, SSE, Scottish Power, and Npower. These companies held the largest share of the energy market for many years after energy suppliers were privatised in the 1990s. They dominated household gas and electricity supply and had a big influence on pricing.
Over time, the market changed. Companies like Octopus Energy and OVO grew rapidly, while SSE was taken over by OVO, and Npower was bought by E.ON. As a result, today’s “Big Six” looks quite different from the original group.
While their market share has declined due to increased competition and industry changes, the companies that now make up the Big Six still serve a large portion of UK households.
- British Gas remains the largest supplier, serving millions of homes.
- Octopus Energy, a newer addition to the Big Six, is known for its customer-centric approach and renewable energy focus.
- EDF Energy is a major player in the UK market, offering a range of tariffs.
- E.ON Next has emerged as a digital-focused supplier under the E.ON brand.
- Scottish Power continues to serve customers across the UK.
- OVO Energy, which acquired SSE, has established itself as a significant force in the market.
Which of the ‘Big 6’ suppliers is the cheapest? (January 2025)
Energy tariffs from the Big Six suppliers vary and can significantly impact your energy bills. It’s important to understand the difference between fixed and variable tariffs to make an informed decision.
Below, we have selected some of the key tariffs from the Big 6 energy suppliers. These prices are based on the usage of a 3-bedroom house in the East Midlands, so your own quote may vary, but this will give you an idea of the types of deals on offer.
Who is the cheapest of the Big Six energy suppliers?
Based on our research, Scottish Power currently offers the cheapest tariff from the Big Six energy suppliers. This is a variable tariff with no exit fees.
British Gas offers the cheapest fixed tariff, which works out at around £140 per month and has an early exit fee of £100.
OVO Energy has the most expensive of the Big 6 energy tariffs, which is nearly £150 more expensive than the cheapest Big 6 tariff available.
Supplier Name | Tariff Name | Tariff Type | Tariff Length | Cost Per Month | Cost Per Year | Early Exit Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scottish Power | Help Beat Cancer Flexi Jun 2026 TM3 | Variable | No End Date | £140 | £1,685 | £0 |
British Gas | Fixed Tariff v21 | Fixed | 12 months | £140 | £1,686 | £100 |
E.ON Next | Next Fixed 18m v15 | Fixed | 18 months | £141 | £1,687 | £100 |
EDF Energy | Simply Fixed 2Yr Jan27v4 | Fixed | Until 31 Jan 2027 | £141 | £1,688 | £150 |
EDF Energy | Simply Fixed Direct 1Yr Jan26v8 | Fixed | Until 31 Jan 2026 | £141 | £1,691 | £0 |
EDF Energy | Simply Fixed 1Yr Jan26v8 | Fixed | Until 31 Jan 2026 | £141 | £1,691 | £50 |
British Gas | The Longer Fix v18 | Fixed | 24 months | £143 | £1,711 | £150 |
E.ON Next | Next Pledge Tracker 12m V7 | Variable | No End Date | £143 | £1,712 | £0 |
EDF Energy | Simply Tracker Mar26 | Variable | No End Date | £143 | £1,715 | £0 |
Octopus Energy | Octopus 14M Fixed January 2025 v1 | Fixed | 14 months | £143 | £1,717 | £0 |
E.ON Next | Next Fixed 12m v42 | Fixed | 12 months | £143 | £1,720 | £100 |
E.ON Next | Next Gust 12m V16 | Fixed | 12 months | £145 | £1,741 | £100 |
OVO Energy | Extended Fixed 09 January 2025 | Fixed | 18 months | £146 | £1,747 | £150 |
Octopus Energy | Flexible Octopus | Variable | No End Date | £146 | £1,750 | £0 |
OVO Energy | 1 Year Fixed 09 January 2025 | Fixed | 12 months | £146 | £1,754 | £100 |
OVO Energy | Simpler Energy | Variable | No End Date | £147 | £1,764 | £0 |
British Gas | Standard Variable | Variable | No End Date | £147 | £1,765 | £0 |
E.ON Next | Next Fixed 24M V27 | Fixed | 24 months | £147 | £1,765 | £200 |
EDF Energy | Standard (Variable) | Variable | No End Date | £147 | £1,765 | £0 |
Scottish Power | Standard | Variable | No End Date | £147 | £1,765 | £0 |
OVO Energy | 2 Year Fixed + Heating Control | Fixed | 24 months | £151 | £1,807 | £190 |
OVO Energy | 1 Year Fixed + Greener Electricity | Fixed | 12 months | £153 | £1,834 | £100 |
When comparing tariffs, it is important to look at both the unit rates and standing charges. Additionally, consider early exit fees when evaluating fixed-rate plans.
If you’d like to compare all suppliers, find the cheapest energy supplier right now in our up-to-date guide.
Alternatively, you can find the cheapest supplier in your area by searching here.
Fixed vs. variable tariffs
Energy tariffs from the Big Six suppliers vary and can significantly impact your energy bills. It’s important to understand the difference between fixed and variable tariffs to make an informed decision.
- Fixed tariffs lock in your energy rates for a set period, usually 12 to 24 months. This can protect you from price increases.
- Variable tariffs fluctuate with the market and can change based on wholesale energy prices.
- Dual fuel tariffs combine gas and electricity into one plan, which can offer savings compared to separate plans.
When choosing a tariff, consider your budget, risk tolerance, and energy usage patterns. Comparing offers from different suppliers is essential to find the best deal.
Customer satisfaction and service
When choosing an energy supplier, customer satisfaction and service quality are crucial factors to consider.
Here’s how the Big Six providers stack up in terms of customer feedback:
Which of the Big Six has the best customer reviews?
- Octopus Energy is consistently ranked highly for customer service and satisfaction. They are rated 4.8 on Trustpilot from over 470,000 reviews.
- British Gas has a rating of 4.2 on Trustpliot from over 260,000 reviews.
- EDF has a rating of 4.7 from over 110,00 reviews on Trustpilot.
- E.ON Next is rated 4.5 from over 140,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
- Scottish Power has nearly 100,000 reviews and is rated 4.3 in total.
- OVO Energy has a rating of 4.5 from over 195,000 Trustpilot reviews.
Which of the Big Six has the best customer service?
Customer service can be measured through various indicators, including:
- Response times to queries
- Accuracy of bills
- Ease of contacting customer support
- Resolution of issues
Citizens Advice provides a regular update on some of these criteria for each energy supplier. We have highlighted the results of each of the Big Six energy suppliers below:
Name | Overall Rating | Fewer Complaints Received | Contact waiting time | Customer commitments |
---|---|---|---|---|
ScottishPower | 3.6 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
Ovo Energy | 3.6 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
British Gas | 3.3 out of 5 | 1 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
Octopus Energy | 3.2 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
E.ON Next | 3.1 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
EDF Energy | 2.7 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
As you can see from the table, according to Citizens Advice, Scottish Power is the best rated Big Six energy supplier.
Your experience may vary depending on your location and specific circumstances, so it’s worth checking recent reviews and asking for recommendations.
Which are the greenest Big Six Energy suppliers?
Many Big Six suppliers now offer green tariffs to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly power. These options can vary in cost and sustainability commitments.
Green tariffs and offers
Most Big Six suppliers provide renewable electricity tariffs. These plans typically use 100% renewable sources like wind, solar and hydro. Some also offset gas usage.
Octopus stands out among the Big Six, offering one of the cheapest renewable tariffs on the market. Their green plans often cost about the same as standard ones.
You may find green add-ons too. These let you pay extra to support renewable projects. Check if suppliers buy directly from generators or just purchase certificates.
Supplier commitments to sustainability
Beyond tariffs, Big Six suppliers have broader sustainability goals. Many aim to generate more renewable power themselves. They’re investing in wind farms, solar parks and other green tech.
Look at their plans to cut emissions. The best performers generate renewable power and buy it straight from generators. Some offer smart home gadgets to help you save energy.
Check for flexible time-of-use tariffs. These reward you for using power when renewable supply is high. A few suppliers even pay decent rates if you export solar energy to the grid.
Emerging competition to the Big Six energy providers
New companies are shaking up the UK energy market. They’re bringing fresh ideas and lower prices to challenge the Big Six suppliers.
Utility Warehouse takes a different approach. They bundle energy with other services like broadband and mobile phones.
Ecotricity stands out for its 100% green energy. They even make their own power from wind and sun.
So Energy lets you vote on where they buy renewable energy from. This gives you a say in your power supply.
Things to consider about Big Six energy prices
The UK energy market is shaped by government rules and company practices. These impact how much you pay for gas and electricity.
Government price caps
The energy price cap limits how much suppliers can charge for standard tariffs. It’s set by Ofgem, the energy regulator, and changes twice a year.
The cap aims to protect consumers from unfair prices. It applies to default tariffs, which many households are on.
During the recent energy market crisis, the cap rose sharply. This led to higher bills for millions of customers.
The cap doesn’t apply to fixed-rate deals, however, and these can sometimes be cheaper than the capped rates.
Extra charges and exit fees
Many energy deals come with extra costs. These can affect the true price you pay.
Some tariffs have exit fees if you switch before the contract ends. These can be up to £150 per fuel, depending on the length of your deal.
Some suppliers, like Octopus Energy, offer no-exit-fee fixed energy deals. These give you more flexibility to switch if prices change.
Always check the full terms before choosing a tariff. The cheapest headline rate isn’t always the best value overall.
How to switch energy suppliers
Switching energy suppliers can save you money and improve your service. It’s a straightforward process that can be done quickly online or over the phone.
To switch providers, start by comparing energy deals. Use a price comparison website to find the best rates. You’ll need your postcode and current energy usage details.
Once you’ve chosen a new supplier, they’ll handle the switch for you. You won’t need to contact your old provider.
The switch usually takes about 21 days. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted during this time.
Make sure to give final meter readings to both old and new suppliers. This ensures accurate billing.
Some suppliers offer smart meters as part of the switch. These can help you track your energy use more easily.
Dealing with exit fees
Before switching, check if your current tariff has an exit fee. This is a charge for leaving before your contract ends.
Exit fees can range from £5 to £100 per fuel. If you’re near the end of your contract, you might avoid the fee.
You can switch without paying exit fees in the last 49 days of your contract. This is known as the ‘switching window’. If you’re outside this window, weigh up the exit fee against potential savings. Sometimes, the savings from switching outweigh the fee.
Remember to factor in any welcome bonuses or incentives from your new supplier. These can offset exit fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comparing energy prices and choosing the right supplier involves understanding current tariffs, average rates, and key factors that affect costs. Recent changes in the energy market have impacted pricing among major UK suppliers.
How can I compare the prices of the Big Six energy suppliers?
You can compare prices of the Big Six energy suppliers using online comparison tools. These tools let you input your postcode and energy usage to see tariffs from different suppliers.
Many sites offer free comparisons and show you potential savings. It’s wise to check multiple comparison sites, as deals can vary.
Which of the Big Six is currently offering the lowest tariffs?
The Big Six supplier with the lowest tariffs changes often. As of January 2025, you’d need to check current rates to find the cheapest.
Energy prices fluctuate based on market conditions. What’s cheapest today might not be tomorrow.
How does Octopus Energy’s pricing stack up against other major suppliers?
Octopus Energy, now part of the Big Six, often offers competitive rates. Their pricing is typically in line with or slightly below that of other major suppliers.
Octopus is known for its green energy tariffs. These can sometimes be priced differently from standard tariffs.
What are the average energy rates among the top UK energy suppliers?
Average energy rates vary based on location and usage. As of 2025, you’d need to check the latest figures for accurate rates.
Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, sets price caps that affect average rates. These caps are reviewed twice a year.
What factors should I consider when choosing the most affordable energy supplier?
When choosing an affordable supplier, look at more than just the headline rate. Consider exit fees, customer service quality, and green energy options.
Some suppliers offer fixed-rate tariffs, which can save money long-term. Others have variable rates that might be cheaper now but could rise.
How have the rates of the biggest UK energy suppliers changed in recent years?
Energy rates from big UK suppliers have been volatile in recent years. Global events and market changes have caused significant price swings.
The energy price cap has also affected rates. This cap limits how much suppliers can charge for standard tariffs.
6 Comments
Interesting comparison! Have you considered the impact of renewable energy options on these prices?
Absolutely! But lets not forget, renewable energy has its own hidden costs too!
Great analysis! Is it possible to switch suppliers without any penalty? Looking for the most cost-effective option.
Interesting read! Could you also compare customer service quality among these Big Six suppliers? Cheapest doesnt always mean best.
Great comparison! Surprising to see how prices change over time. Can you also include renewable energy suppliers next time?
Impressive analysis! Its amazing how the rates fluctuate across the Big Six. Who do you predict will be cheapest in 2026?