The UK energy market is complex and competitive, with dozens of suppliers offering various tariffs. The following business energy suppliers currently have the highest total scores: Octopus Energy, Utility Warehouse, and Utilita. These suppliers are all praised for their excellent customer service, competitive prices, and range of tariffs.
However, with the cost of living crisis continuing to bite, many consumers struggle to keep up with their energy bills. It is, therefore, more important than ever to choose an energy supplier that offers a good deal and provides good customer service.
In this article, I will explore the highest energy suppliers in the UK, based on a recent comparison of total scores, customer scores, and Which? assessment scores. I will also provide some insights into why some suppliers are more highly ranked than others and offer tips on choosing the right energy supplier.
Here is a table of the most expensive energy suppliers in the UK in 2023, with their total scores, customer scores, Which? assessment scores, and prices or tariffs:
|
Company |
Total Score |
Customer Score |
Which? Assessment Score |
Price per kWh |
Tariff |
Average UK price |
|
Octopus Energy |
78% |
73% |
82% |
25.1p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
|
Utility Warehouse |
65% |
67% |
64% |
25.0p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
|
Utilita |
67% |
59% |
75% |
24.9p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
|
EDF Energy |
62% |
53% |
71% |
26.4p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
|
Boost Energy |
61% |
52% |
71% |
26.3p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
|
British Gas |
60% |
52% |
68% |
26.2p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
|
Sainsbury's Energy |
59% |
54% |
63% |
26.1p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
|
Scottish Power |
51% |
49% |
53% |
26.0p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
|
Shell Energy |
58% |
48% |
68% |
25.9p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
|
SSE Energy Services |
58% |
46% |
69% |
25.8p |
1-year fixed tariff |
21.8p |
As you can see, the prices offered by the most expensive energy suppliers in the UK are significantly higher than the average UK price of 21.8p per kWh.
Note: These prices are subject to change, and you should always compare prices from different suppliers before switching.
Now lets discuss in detail:
Octopus Energy is a relatively new energy supplier in the UK but has quickly become one of the most popular. The company is known for its innovative and competitive tariffs, including a 100% renewable energy tariff. Octopus Energy is also known for its excellent customer service.
One of the things that makes Octopus Energy so popular is its focus on innovation. The company was one of the first energy suppliers in the UK to offer a smart tariff, which allows customers to take advantage of cheaper electricity prices at off-peak times. Octopus Energy also offers several other innovative products and services, such as its Kraken Power app, which allows customers to track their energy usage and manage their accounts in real time.
Octopus Energy is also known for its competitive tariffs. The company's standard tariff is one of the cheapest in the UK, and its renewable energy tariff is also very competitive. Octopus Energy also offers several other tariffs, such as its Agile Octopus tariff, which allows customers to track hourly electricity prices and move their usage to cheaper times of day.
In addition to its innovative tariffs and competitive prices, Octopus Energy is also known for its excellent customer service. The company has won many awards for its customer service, and it is consistently rated as one of the best energy suppliers in the UK for customer satisfaction.
Overall, Octopus Energy is an excellent choice for energy customers in the UK. The company provides new, good-priced plans and beneficial customer support.
Utility Warehouse (UW) is a UK-based energy supplier that offers a range of bundled services, including energy, broadband, and mobile phones. The company is known for its competitive prices and its focus on customer satisfaction.
UW's energy tariffs are typically more expensive than the average UK price, but the company offers several benefits that may make it a good choice for some customers. For example, UW offers a bundled service that allows customers to save money on their bills.
The company also has some fantastic features, like the smart meter system. This helps customers keep an eye on how much energy they use and helps them save money.
UW also has a good reputation for customer service. The company has won several awards for its customer service, and it is consistently rated as one of the best energy suppliers in the UK for customer satisfaction.
Overall, UW is a good choice for customers looking for a bundled service and a company with a good reputation for customer service.
Utilita is a UK-based energy supplier specializing in prepayment energy using smart meters. The company is known for its excellent customer service and commitment to helping vulnerable customers.
Utilita's energy tariffs are typically more expensive than the average UK price, but the company offers several benefits that may make it a good choice for some customers. For example, Utilita does not charge a standing charge, which can save customers money on their bills.
The company also offers a number of innovative features, such as its Utilita Energy Hub app, which allows customers to top up their accounts, track their energy usage, and get help with their bills.
Utilita also has a good reputation for customer service. The company has won a number of awards for its customer service, and it is consistently rated as one of the best energy suppliers in the UK for customer satisfaction.
Overall, Utilita is a good choice for customers looking for a prepayment energy supplier with excellent customer service.
EDF Energy is one of the biggest energy providers in the UK. They have many energy plans, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and eco-friendly options. EDF Energy is also known for its investment in renewable energy.
EDF Energy's energy tariffs are typically more expensive than the average UK price. However, the company offers a number of benefits that may make it a good choice for some customers. For example, EDF Energy offers a number of fixed-rate tariffs, which can give customers peace of mind, knowing that their energy bills will not be affected by rising energy prices.
The company also offers several green energy tariffs, which allow customers to support renewable energy generation.
EDF Energy also has a good reputation for customer service. The company has won a number of awards for its customer service, and it is consistently rated as one of the best energy suppliers in the UK for customer satisfaction.
Overall, EDF Energy is a good option for people who want a big energy company known for caring for its customers.
Boost Energy is a UK-based energy supplier that specializes in prepayment energy. The company was founded in 2017 and is a subsidiary of OVO Energy. Boost Energy is known for its excellent customer service and commitment to helping vulnerable customers.
Boost Energy's energy tariffs are typically more expensive than the average UK price. However, the company offers a number of benefits that may make it a good choice for some customers. For example, Boost Energy does not charge a standing charge, which can save customers money on their bills.
The company also offers a number of innovative features, such as its Boost Energy app, which allows customers to top up their accounts, track their energy usage, and get help with their bills.
Boost Energy also has a good reputation for customer service. The company has won a number of awards for its customer service, and it is consistently rated as one of the best energy suppliers in the UK for customer satisfaction.
British Gas is among the most significant energy providers in the UK. They have various energy plans, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and environmentally friendly options. British Gas is also known for its investment in renewable energy and its commitment to customer service.
British Gas' energy tariffs are typically more expensive than the average UK price. However, the company offers a number of benefits that may make it a good choice for some customers. For example, British Gas offers a number of fixed-rate tariffs, which can give customers peace of mind, knowing that their energy bills will not be affected by rising energy prices.
The company also offers a number of green energy tariffs, which allow customers to support renewable energy generation. British Gas also has a good reputation for customer service. The company has won a number of awards for its customer service, and it is consistently rated as one of the best energy suppliers in the UK for customer satisfaction.
Overall, British Gas is a good choice for customers looking for a large energy supplier with a good reputation for customer service and a wide range of tariffs available.
Sainsbury's Energy is a joint venture between Sainsbury's and SSE Energy Services. The company offers a range of energy tariffs, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and green energy tariffs. Sainsbury's Energy is known for its competitive prices and its focus on customer satisfaction.
Sainsbury's Energy's energy tariffs are typically slightly more expensive than the average UK price. However, the company offers a number of benefits that may make it a good choice for some customers, such as its Sainsbury's Nectar points scheme and its free smart meter offer.
Customers can earn Nectar points for every pound they spend on their energy bills, which can be redeemed for money off at Sainsbury's and other Nectar partners. Sainsbury's Energy also offers a free smart meter to all new customers. Smart meters can help customers save money on their energy bills by giving them a better understanding of their energy usage.
Sainsbury's Energy also offers many renewable energy tariffs, which allow customers to support renewable energy generation. Sainsbury's Energy has a good reputation for customer service. The company has won a number of awards for its customer service, and it is consistently rated as one of the best energy suppliers in the UK for customer satisfaction.
Overall, Sainsbury's Energy is a good option if you want an energy company with low prices, good customer service, and extra perks. However, it is essential to note that Sainsbury's Energy's energy tariffs are typically slightly more expensive than the average UK price.
Scottish Power is one of the largest energy suppliers in the UK, but it is also one of the most expensive. According to a recent Look After My Bills survey, Scottish Power's fixed deals are significantly above the Ofgem energy price cap. There are a number of reasons why Scottish Power may be more expensive than other suppliers.
One reason is that it invests heavily in renewable energy. Scottish Power owns and operates many wind farms and solar parks, and they also promise to give their customers completely clean energy from renewable sources by the year 2030. Another reason for Scottish Power's high prices is its large customer base, which gives it less incentive to compete on price.
However, there are also some benefits to being a Scottish Power customer. This company is known for being helpful to its customers, and they have some cool things like smart meters and places to charge electric cars.
Overall, Scottish Power is a good choice for customers looking for a reliable energy supplier committed to renewable energy. However, customers should know that Scottish Power's prices are higher than average.
Shell Energy is one of the most expensive energy suppliers in the UK, according to Which? and other consumer groups. Its standard variable tariff (SVT) is typically above the average price of all SVTs, and its fixed-rate tariffs are often less competitive than those of other suppliers.
There are a number of reasons why Shell Energy may be more expensive than other suppliers. One reason is that it is a large, well-known brand, and it may charge a premium for this. Another reason is that Shell Energy does not generate its energy but buys it from other suppliers. This can make it more difficult for Shell Energy to offer competitive prices.
Despite its higher prices, Shell Energy does have some advantages over other suppliers. For example, it offers all customers 100% renewable electricity as standard. It also has a relatively good reputation for customer service.
SSE Energy Services is one of the largest energy suppliers in the UK, and it is known for its reliability and commitment to renewable energy. The company gives you different choices for your energy plan, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and green energy tariffs.
SSE Energy Services' tariffs are typically more expensive than the average UK price. However, the company offers a number of benefits that may make it a good choice for some customers. For example, SSE Energy Services offers a number of fixed-rate tariffs, which can give customers peace of mind, knowing that their energy bills will not be affected by rising energy prices.
SSE Energy Services also offers a number of green energy tariffs, which allow customers to support renewable energy generation. The company sources 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, investing heavily in new renewable energy projects.
SSE Energy Services also has a good reputation for customer service. The company has won a number of awards for its customer service, and it is consistently rated as one of the best energy suppliers in the UK for customer satisfaction.
Despite their higher prices, these suppliers may still be a good choice for some customers, particularly those looking for a supplier with a solid commitment to renewable energy and good customer service. Ultimately, whether or not one of these suppliers is worth it for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
There are several reasons why the UK's energy suppliers are more expensive.
It is important to note that the most expensive energy supplier for one customer may differ from the most expensive supplier for another. This is because everyone's energy needs are different. For example, a customer with a large household and high energy usage may find that a smaller supplier with a higher price per kWh is still cheaper overall.
If you want to save money on your energy bills, comparing prices from different suppliers and choosing the right tariff is essential. You can go to a price-checking website to see prices from different companies and find the one that saves you the most money.
The best energy companies provide excellent customer service, competitive prices, and a range of tariffs. They are also transparent and committed to sustainability. Here are some specific factors that make an energy supplier the best:
This includes support for needy customers, such as prepayment meter customers, vulnerable customers, and those facing financial hardship. It also means having a good complaints performance and resolving customer issues quickly and efficiently.
Energy companies should offer a variety of tariffs to meet the needs of different customers, and their prices should be competitive with other suppliers.
Customers should be able to choose from a variety of tariffs, such as fixed-price tariffs, variable-price tariffs, and green tariffs.
Energy companies should be transparent about their energy sources and how they are working to reduce their environmental impact.
Energy companies should be committed to sustainability and renewable energy. They should invest in renewable energy technologies and help their customers to lower their energy consumption.
Ultimately, the best energy company is the one that best meets the needs of its customers. This means considering all the factors listed above when choosing an energy supplier.
When finding the most competitive energy plans, it's essential to consider the available tariff options from energy providers. These primary tariff types include:
A fixed-rate tariff locks in your energy price per kilowatt-hour for an agreed-upon period, usually around 12 months or slightly longer. While you can switch if you find a better deal, leaving early may result in exit fees. It's important to note that fixed rate tariffs set the unit price of your energy, but your actual bills can still vary based on your usage.
With a variable rate tariff, the unit price of energy fluctuates, influenced by factors like wholesale prices and network maintenance costs. Variable tariffs tend to be more expensive, but they are protected by the energy price cap, which limits the cost per kWh and the standing charge. If you've yet to switch, you might be on a standard variable tariff (SVT), typically one of the pricier energy plans available. Variable tariffs offer flexibility without exit fees, allowing you to switch at short notice.
Opting for a dual fuel tariff means purchasing both gas and electricity from a single energy supplier. Dual fuel plans often provide good value because energy companies frequently offer discounts for bundling services. This option streamlines your administrative tasks, as you only have one supplier for gas and electricity.
