Who is the cheapest of the Big Six energy suppliers? (2026)

Last Updated: 6th February 2026

Key Takeaways: At a Glance

• Regulatory Update: The Ofgem Price Cap is currently set at £1,758/year for typical households as of January 1, 2026. However, forecasts predict a fall to ~£1,652 in April.
• Cheapest Big Six Fixed: E.ON Next (Next Fixed 14m) is currently the market leader at ~£133/month (£1,602/year).
• Best Flexible Fixed Option: Octopus Energy (12M Fixed) is highly competitive at ~£136/month.
• Market Trend: Switching to a fixed deal now can save roughly £226 per year compared to the current Price Cap variable rate.

Energy bills remain a significant expense for UK households. With the energy market shifting as we move further into 2026, many consumers are asking: Which of the Big Six energy suppliers offers the cheapest rates right now?

The truth is, there is no single “cheapest” supplier for everyone. Prices vary based on location and usage. However, the latest data for March 2026 shows that E.ON Next has taken the lead with the lowest fixed price, while Octopus Energy remains the consumer favourite for flexible terms.

Who are the Big Six energy suppliers?

The “Big Six” refers to the largest energy suppliers in the UK. Historically, this group dominated the market. Today, following mergers and the rise of challengers, the Big Six includes:

• British Gas (Largest supplier, serving millions of homes).
• Octopus Energy (The tech-led giant that recently joined the top tier).
• EDF Energy (Major player with significant low-carbon generation).
• E.ON Next (Digital-focused brand absorbing Npower customers).
• Scottish Power (Key player in renewable wind generation).
• OVO Energy (Expanded significantly after acquiring SSE).

While their market share has shifted due to competition, these companies still supply the vast majority of UK households.

Which of the ‘Big 6’ suppliers is the cheapest? (March 2026)

Understanding the difference between fixed and variable tariffs is critical to saving money in the current market.

• Variable Tariffs: Fluctuate with the Ofgem Price Cap. Most Big Six variable tariffs are priced identically at the cap level. Currently, most Standard Variable Tariffs are sitting around £1,758/year (~£147/month).

• Fixed Tariffs: Lock in a price for 12–24 months. Currently, these are generally cheaper than the government Price Cap.

The Verdict: Who is the Cheapest?

• Cheapest Big Six Fixed: E.ON Next is the winner for pure price. Their Next Fixed 14m v10 tariff costs approximately £1,602/year (£133/month). This is roughly £156 cheaper per year than staying on the variable Price Cap.

• Best Flexible Option: Octopus Energy is a very close second. Their 12M Fixed tariff is ~£1,632/year (£136/month).

• Best Bundle: OVO Energy remains competitive with their 1 Year Fixed + Boiler Cover at ~£139/month. If you need boiler insurance, this adds significant value.

• Most Expensive: Staying on any Standard Variable Tariff (Price Capped) is currently the most expensive option. British Gas, EDF, and Scottish Power all have variable rates around £147-£149/month, which is significantly higher than their fixed counterparts.

💡 Smart Tip: You could get £50 credit right now! Octopus Energy is frequently rated the cheapest and best for service. Get a free quote in less than 30 seconds plus £50 credit when you switch: https://localenergyprices.co.uk/credit

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.

Customer satisfaction and service

Price is only half the story. Service quality ensures your bills are accurate and issues are resolved quickly.

Which of the Big Six has the best customer reviews? (Trustpilot)

• Octopus Energy is consistently ranked highly for customer service and satisfaction. They are rated 4.8 on Trustpilot from over 750,000 reviews.
• British Gas has a rating of 4.3 on Trustpilot from over 320,000 reviews.
• EDF has a rating of 4.8 from over 198,00 reviews on Trustpilot.
• E.ON Next is rated 4.5 from over 187,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
• Scottish Power has over 150,000 reviews and is rated 4.3 in total.
• OVO Energy has a rating of 4.6 from over 258,000 Trustpilot reviews.

Which of the Big Six has the best customer service? (Citizens Advice)

For an independent view on complaints handling and call waiting times, Citizens Advice ranks suppliers quarterly. As of early 2026:

• Top Tier: Octopus Energy and Ecotricity (approx 3.8/5).
• Mid Tier: Scottish Power and OVO Energy (approx 3.6/5).
• Lower Tier: British Gas and EDF Energy often score lower on “ease of contact” metrics (approx 3.0/5).

Customer service can be measured through various indicators, including:

• Response times to queries
• Accuracy of bills
• Ease of contacting customer support
• Resolution of issues

We have highlighted the results of each of the Big Six energy suppliers below:

Is it worth fixing energy prices in 2026?

With the energy market still fluctuating, the decision to fix depends on the Price Cap forecast.

The 2026 Outlook

The Ofgem Energy Price Cap is reviewed every three months (Quarterly).

• Current Status (Feb 2026): The cap is £1,758/year.
• Forecast: Prices are predicted to fall by around 6% in April 2026 to roughly £1,652.
• Recommendation: Fixing remains a smart move. Even with the predicted drop in April, current fixed deals from E.ON Next (£1,602) and Octopus (£1,632) are already cheaper than the April forecast. By fixing now, you secure immediate savings and protect yourself against any unexpected rises later in the year.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will energy prices go down later in 2026?

Current forecasts suggest prices will fall by around 6% in April 2026. However, with the current Price Cap at £1,758, and fixed deals available for around £1,600, you are saving money immediately by fixing now rather than waiting for the April drop, which will likely still be higher than today’s best fixed rates.

2. Should I fix my energy tariff or stay on the variable rate?

The general advice for March 2026 is to fix. The cheapest fixed tariffs (E.ON Next at £133/m) are substantially cheaper than the variable cap (~£147/m). Even with the forecasted April drop, fixed deals currently offer better value and security.

3. Is the “RTS Switch-off” real, and does it affect me?

Yes, this is urgent. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) began a phased switch-off in June 2025. If you have an old Economy 7 meter (often with a separate radio box) that hasn’t been upgraded yet, you are now at risk of losing the signal that controls your heating and hot water. You must contact your supplier immediately to book a smart meter upgrade to ensure your heating continues to function.

4. Do I legally have to accept a smart meter?

Technically, no, smart meters are not a legal requirement for standard supply. However, many of the cheapest tariffs (including most modern fixed deals from E.ON Next and Octopus) now mandate a smart meter as part of the contract’s Terms & Conditions. Additionally, if you have an RTS meter (see above), you effectively must upgrade to maintain your heating service.

5. Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount (£150) this winter?

For the Winter 2025/26 scheme, eligibility has changed slightly.

• Pensioners: You receive it automatically if you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
• Low Income: You may be eligible if you receive certain means-tested benefits (like Universal Credit). Crucially, for England and Wales, the “high energy cost” criteria that excluded some people in smaller homes has been removed or relaxed for many groups this year.
• Deadline: You should have received a letter by December 2025 if you were eligible.

6. Why are standing charges still so high?

Standing charges (the fixed daily cost) cover the maintenance of the national grid and the cost of failed suppliers. In 2026, these remain high—around 60p/day for electricity—partly because some policy costs (like green levies) have been moved onto them. Ofgem is reviewing this, but significant reductions are not expected until late 2026 at the earliest.

7. What happens if my energy supplier goes bust?

You are protected by the Ofgem Safety Net.

• Don’t Panic: Your gas and electricity supply will not be cut off.
• Sit Tight: Ofgem will appoint a “Supplier of Last Resort” (SoLR) to take over your account.
• Credit Balances: Any credit you had with the old supplier is protected and will be transferred to the new one.
• Action: Take a meter reading immediately, but do not try to switch until the new supplier contacts you.

8. Does switching energy suppliers affect my credit score?

It depends on the supplier.

• Soft Check: Most suppliers (and comparison sites) only do a “soft search” to check your identity. This does not affect your credit score.
• Hard Check: Some suppliers may perform a “hard search” if you choose a specific tariff or payment method (like paying on receipt of bill rather than Direct Debit).
• Tip: If you are applying for a mortgage soon, stick to suppliers that only use soft checks or ask them beforehand.

9. Can I switch energy suppliers if I am renting?

Yes. If your name is on the energy bill, you have the legal right to switch suppliers to get a cheaper deal. You do not need your landlord’s permission, though it is polite to inform them. If your landlord pays the bill (it’s included in your rent), you cannot switch, but you can ask them to do so.

10. Is an Economy 7 tariff still worth it in 2026?

Economy 7 gives you cheaper electricity for 7 hours at night but charges a higher rate during the day.

• Worth it if: You have electric storage heaters or an Electric Vehicle (EV) that you charge overnight. You typically need to use more than 40% of your power at night to break even.
• Not worth it if: You have gas central heating. Modern “smart tariffs” (like Octopus Agile or Tracker) often provide cheaper off-peak rates than traditional Economy 7 without the expensive day rates.