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

Last Updated: 5th October 2026

Key Takeaways: At a Glance

• Regulatory Update: The Ofgem Price Cap rose 3.6% on 1 October 2026 and is set at £1,723/year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit in Great Britain until 31 December. This limits rates, not your total bill. Ofgem announces the January cap by 25 November.
• Competitive Big Six Fixed: E.ON Next (Next Fixed 12m Exclusive v10) is a competitive example at ~£138/month (~£1,651/year, including £20 MSE cashback).
• Long Fix Example: E.ON Next (Next Fixed 24m Exclusive v23) is around £139/month (£1,670/year), and locks the rates in for two years.
• Market Trend: The E.ON Next 12-month example saves roughly £72 per year against the national cap benchmark, including cashback. A whole-market example, Fuse Energy October 2026 Fixed (18m) V1, is £1,615/year — about £108 below that benchmark.

Energy bills remain a significant expense for UK households. After a 3.6% rise in the Price Cap on 1 October, 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 published examples for October 2026 include competitive fixes from E.ON Next and British Gas. Compare a quote for your own home before choosing.

Who are the Big Six energy suppliers?

The “Big Six” historically referred to the largest energy suppliers in the UK. Following mergers and the rise of challengers, this guide compares six major suppliers:

• British Gas (Major supplier, serving millions of homes).
• Octopus Energy (A major tech-led supplier).
• EDF Energy (Major player with significant low-carbon generation).
• E.ON Next (Digital-focused supplier brand).
• Scottish Power (Key player in renewable wind generation).
• OVO Energy (Expanded significantly after acquiring SSE). Its takeover by E.ON received regulatory approval on 1 October 2026; completion is pending.

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? (October 2026)

Understanding the difference between fixed and variable tariffs is critical to saving money in the current market. The table below gives published dual-fuel price examples, checked on 5 October 2026. The E.ON Next 12-month estimate uses MSE’s typical-use benchmark (2,500kWh electricity and 9,500kWh gas a year, paid by Direct Debit); other fixed examples come from MoneyWeek’s dated comparison. Annual prices are illustrations; monthly figures are annual prices divided by 12. Get a quote to confirm availability and your own cost.

• Variable Tariffs: Standard variable tariffs usually follow the Ofgem Price Cap, though some offer discounts below it. Ofgem’s headline national figure is £1,723/year (~£144/month) for typical use; regional rates and actual bills vary.

• Fixed Tariffs: Lock in unit rates and usually standing charges for 12–24 months. Several current deals are cheaper than the Ofgem Price Cap benchmark. Your bill still depends on how much energy you use.

The Verdict: Who is the Cheapest?

• Competitive Big Six Fixed: E.ON Next features in MSE’s 2 October comparison. Its Next Fixed 12m Exclusive v10 is 4.2% below the cap on average, including £20 dual-fuel cashback through Cheap Energy Club. That implies approximately £1,651/year (£138/month), or £72 below the national cap benchmark. It has £50 per fuel exit fees; check the quote and cashback eligibility.

• Long Fix Examples: British Gas Fixed Exclusive Sep28 v2 is £1,669/year over 23 months, while E.ON Next Next Fixed 24m Exclusive v23 is £1,670/year over two years — both about £139/month in MoneyWeek’s Uswitch-sourced table dated 2 October. Exit fees are £125 and £100 per fuel respectively.

• Best if you don’t want to lock in: Octopus Energy’s Flexible tariff carries no exit fee and is around £10/year below the cap on average through lower standing charges. Any eligible £50 switching credit is a one-off bonus; its rates can change. EDF Energy Simply Tracker Jan28 is another variable example at £1,673/year at current rates, with £50 per fuel exit fees. A tracker does not fix your rates.

• Compare Every Supplier: Current fixed quotes for Scottish Power and OVO Energy need checking for your home. Compare the annual cost, exit fees and any existing-customer offers before deciding whether to fix or stay on a price-capped tariff.

💡 Smart Tip: You could get £50 switching credit! Octopus Energy has a high Trustpilot rating, but compare the tariff quote for your home. Eligible customers can receive £50 credit after switching and their first successful monthly Direct Debit: https://localenergyprices.co.uk/credit. T&Cs apply.

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, October 2026)

• Octopus Energy is consistently ranked highly for customer service and satisfaction. They are rated 4.8 on Trustpilot from over 884,000 reviews.
• British Gas has a rating of 4.4 on Trustpilot from over 357,000 reviews.
• EDF has a rating of 4.8 from over 261,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
• E.ON Next is rated 4.5 from over 237,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
• Scottish Power has over 210,000 reviews and is rated 4.4 in total.
• OVO Energy has a rating of 4.7 from over 305,000 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 October 2026, the latest published scores cover April–June 2026:

• Top Tier: E.ON Next (3.71/5, 3rd overall) and Octopus Energy (3.67/5, 5th overall) lead the Big Six. OVO Energy is also in the top half of the table, at 3.65/5 and 6th overall.
• Mid Tier: EDF Energy scores 2.96/5, placing 10th overall.
• Lower Tier: Scottish Power (2.76/5, 12th of 16) and British Gas (2.61/5, 14th of 16) score lowest among these six. Scottish Power records 76.4 complaints per 10,000 customers — the highest of the six — compared with 68.8 at British Gas.

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. Trustpilot ratings and review counts were checked on 5 October 2026; Citizens Advice figures cover April–June 2026.

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 (October 2026): The cap is £1,723/year for typical dual-fuel use paid by Direct Debit, after a 3.6% rise on 1 October. It applies until 31 December.
• Next Update: Ofgem announces the January–March 2027 cap by 25 November 2026. Forecasts point to a January rise, but the figure is not confirmed. The current cap already reflects zero VAT on electricity from 1 October to 31 March 2027; gas remains subject to 5% VAT.
• Recommendation: Fixing can make sense if a quote beats your current rates and the exit fees are acceptable. It protects your rates against increases, but you could pay more than a variable tariff if prices fall. Check the full cost over the term, especially for longer fixes.

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 match your electricity use with renewable generation certificates; the electricity entering your home still comes from the shared grid. Some also offset gas usage.

Octopus offers renewable-backed electricity tariffs. Compare their current prices with other suppliers rather than assuming they are the cheapest. Check E.ON Next’s current green options and quote too; tariff versions and prices change.

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. In October 2026, independent suppliers such as Fuse Energy feature among the competitive fixed deals.

Utility Warehouse takes a different approach. They bundle energy with other services like broadband and mobile phones.

Ecotricity stands out for its renewable electricity and its own wind and solar generation. Its EcoFixed – 2 Year September 26 v5 deal is listed at £1,712/year (around £143/month) in the 2 October comparison cited above. Check its exit fees and your own quote.

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?

The October–December cap is now confirmed at £1,723 for typical dual-fuel use paid by Direct Debit, up 3.6% from July–September. It stays at that level until 31 December; the January figure is due by 25 November. Electricity VAT is now zero until 31 March 2027, and that is already reflected in the current cap. Forecasts can change, so a fall in future prices is not guaranteed.

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

For October 2026, compare fixed quotes below the £1,723 cap benchmark with your current tariff. A competitive fix can offer savings and rate certainty, but the outcome depends on your usage, exit fees and future variable rates. Check one-off cashback separately from the ongoing tariff cost.

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

It was real, and it is now finished. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) was phased out in stages from June 2025 and the final signal was switched off on 30 June 2026. If you had an old Economy 7 or storage-heater meter driven by a radio signal and it has not been replaced, your heating and hot water may no longer be switching correctly — contact your supplier straight away to arrange a suitable replacement meter.

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

No, smart meters are not generally a legal requirement for standard supply. However, some tariffs, particularly smart time-of-use deals, require one under their Terms & Conditions. Other competitive fixes do not. If you still have an RTS meter (see above), contact your supplier urgently about a suitable replacement.

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

The Winter 2026/27 scheme is worth £150. As checked on 5 October, GOV.UK still lists it as closed, with reopening scheduled for October 2026. It covers England, Scotland and Wales only — there is no Warm Home Discount in Northern Ireland.

• Qualifying date: 23 August 2026. Your circumstances on that date decide whether you get it.
• England and Wales: eligible households usually receive it automatically. You need to be receiving Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit on the qualifying date, and your name (or your partner’s or legal representative’s) must be on the electricity bill. Follow any letter asking you to confirm eligibility.
• Scotland works differently: there is a core group paid automatically and a “broader group” who have to apply directly to their own supplier, which sets its own extra criteria. Check the Scottish eligibility guidance.
• Note: your supplier has to be part of the scheme. It is normally credited to your electricity bill; prepayment customers may receive a voucher. It is not a cash payment.

6. Why are standing charges still so high?

Standing charges (the fixed daily cost) cover costs such as energy networks and supplying your home. Under the October 2026 cap they average 54.83p/day for electricity and 29.68p/day for gas for Direct Debit customers. Ofgem’s lower standing charge pilot began in June 2026 for limited numbers of eligible customers at participating suppliers. These options have higher unit rates, so a lower standing charge does not necessarily mean a lower bill.

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: Some suppliers use a “soft search” when you apply. This does not affect your credit score.
• Hard Check: Other suppliers use a “hard search”, including for some Direct Debit accounts. This leaves a record on your credit file and can affect your score. Ask before applying.
• 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 you pay your energy supplier directly, you can switch suppliers to get a cheaper deal. Check your tenancy agreement: it may require you to return to the original supplier when you leave. If your landlord pays the bill (it’s included in your rent), you cannot switch yourself, 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, and can shift enough use to the cheaper hours. Around 40% overnight use is a rule of thumb; the actual break-even point depends on your day and night rates.
• Less likely to suit you if: You use little electricity overnight, for example in a home with gas central heating. Compare the full cost of alternatives. Octopus Agile changes prices every half hour and can have expensive peak periods; Tracker changes its single rate daily and is not an off-peak tariff.