Electricity
Choosing an electricity supplier means wanting a fair price, clear bills and a company that helps when things go wrong. Here is what customers say about their experiences.
Companies in Electricity
21 companies
About Electricity
Electricity supply in the United Kingdom covers the sale of power to homes and businesses, along with the billing, meter reading and customer service that come with it. Suppliers buy energy on wholesale markets and sell it on to customers, while the network that carries power to properties is run separately by regional distribution operators. Most households buy their electricity through a supplier that operates on a fixed or variable tariff, and many switch between companies online, by phone or through price comparison services.
The market is regulated by Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, which sets rules on pricing, billing and customer protection for suppliers. Suppliers must belong to an approved redress scheme, and the Energy Ombudsman handles complaints that cannot be settled directly with a company.
Competition in the sector has produced a large number of suppliers, from long-established utilities to smaller challengers that sell mainly through digital channels. Industry bodies such as Energy UK represent suppliers and generators in discussions with government and regulators.
Questions about Electricity
How do I choose an electricity supplier in the UK?
Start by checking that the supplier is licensed by Ofgem, the energy regulator, which you can confirm on the Ofgem website. Compare the unit rate, the standing charge and the contract length, because the headline price alone does not show the full annual cost. Look at whether the tariff is fixed or variable, since a fixed deal holds your rates for a set period while a variable one can change with notice.
What should I compare when looking at electricity tariffs?
Compare the cost per kilowatt hour and the daily standing charge, then estimate your yearly bill using your own usage from your meter readings or previous bills. Check the exit fee if you leave before the end of a fixed term, as Ofgem caps early termination charges on most fixed deals. Note any discounts that depend on paying by direct debit or going paperless, and whether the price shown is the full price or a limited-time offer.
Do I need to use the Ofgem price cap to compare suppliers?
The price cap is the maximum a supplier can charge per unit and per day for default tariffs, and Ofgem sets it every quarter. Fixed deals may be priced above or below the cap, so the cap works as a benchmark rather than a guaranteed cheapest option. Use the Ofgem website or the Energy Saving Trust to see the current cap level before comparing fixed tariffs.
How do I switch electricity supplier?
You can switch by applying through a new supplier, who will arrange the change with your current supplier and handle the process on your behalf. The switch would take place within a set timeframe, and Ofgem rules require the change to be completed within 21 working days. Your supply continues without interruption during the switch, and you keep the same meter and the same network operator.
What happens to my energy supply when I switch?
Your electricity keeps flowing throughout, because the physical supply comes from the local network operator and does not change when you switch supplier. Your old supplier must send a final bill, and any credit balance you hold should be refunded to you. You will receive confirmation of the new supplier and the start date, and you should check that your direct debit has been cancelled with the old supplier.
How do I cancel my electricity contract?
Check your contract for the notice period and any exit fee, then give notice in writing or through your online account as the contract specifies. If you are on a fixed deal, cancelling before the end date may cost an early termination charge, which Ofgem limits to a set amount per fuel. Switching to a new supplier is the usual route to ending a contract, and the new supplier will take over the account on the switch date.
Can I get a refund if I overpaid my electricity bill?
Yes, you are entitled to a refund of any credit balance when your account closes, and suppliers must return it promptly. Ask your supplier for a refund in writing if the balance is on an active account, and keep a record of the request and any reference number. If the supplier refuses or delays, you can escalate the matter through the complaints process and then to the Energy Ombudsman.
What should I do if I have a complaint about my electricity supplier?
Raise the complaint directly with the supplier first, using its complaints team and keeping a note of the date, the name of the person you spoke to and what was agreed. Suppliers must send a written response within eight weeks, and if you are not satisfied or do not receive a reply in that time you can take the matter further. Refer the complaint to the Energy Ombudsman, an independent body that resolves disputes between consumers and energy suppliers, at no cost to you.
What consumer rights do I have with an electricity supplier?
Suppliers must follow the Ofgem Standards of Conduct, which require fair treatment, clear information and billing that is accurate and timely. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, contract terms must be fair and transparent, and misleading sales practices are unlawful. You are entitled to accurate meter readings and bills based on actual usage, and you can ask your supplier for a smart meter installation at no charge.
Who regulates electricity companies in the UK and which schemes apply?
Ofgem regulates electricity suppliers and network operators in Great Britain, and it sets the licence conditions that suppliers must meet. The Energy Ombudsman handles complaints about energy suppliers, and suppliers must be members of an approved redress scheme to trade lawfully. The Citizens Advice consumer service and the Advertising Standards Authority also address consumer and marketing complaints, while the Trading Standards service enforces unfair trading rules.
What should I look for when reading reviews of electricity companies?
Look for reviews that describe specific experiences, such as switching, billing, meter readings or complaint handling, rather than general praise or criticism. Check the dates of the reviews, since a supplier's service can change after a merger, a change of billing system or a change in the regulator's rules. Compare how the company responds to complaints in reviews, and note whether the reviewer says the problem was resolved and how long that took.
Are electricity reviews a reliable way to choose a supplier?
Reviews show how customers have experienced a supplier's service, and they are most useful for judging billing accuracy, customer support and the switching process. Reviews cannot confirm the price you will pay, so you should still compare tariffs using your own usage and the terms in the contract. Check that a review reflects a recent contract and a recent bill, and treat a single extreme review with caution until other reviews confirm the same issue.
Latest reviews in Electricity
Better than the firm down the road
Compared with the firm my neighbour used, this was a far more straightforward experience. The surveyor came when promised and explained…
The lights are a bit dim
The charge level lights are a bit dim in daylight, hard to read at times. Otherwise it's fine, does the job for my commute. Delivery took a…
Needed a new supplier fast
We needed a new supplier quickly after our old one went under and I know the sector fairly well from my job. Signing up was quick and the…
Needed to cut the bills down
We needed to cut the bills down after the last rise, so I went looking for something cheaper. The fixed deal came out well against the…
quick switch done
Signed up for a new electric contract on the app while waiting for the bus. Took maybe five minutes and the switch went through without any…
a sound service
I would say it's a sound service, though I'd not call it exceptional. The application went through without fuss, and the decision came back…