Biggest Energy Companies in the UK – Top 10 Powerhouses 2023

Biggest Energy Companies in the UK

The UK’s energy market is dominated by several major players, often referred to as the “Big Six” energy companies. These companies hold significant market share and have a wide customer base across the country. While the specific rankings and market shares may fluctuate over time, the following list provides a description of the biggest energy companies in the UK:

S.no.	Energy Companies	Founded in
1	British Gas	1812
2	Scottish Power	1990
3	E.ON	2000
4	EDF Energy	2002
5	SSE	1998
6	Ovo Energy	2009
7	Shell Energy	2008
8	Octopus Energy	2015
9	Bulb Energy	2013
10	Utility Warehouse	2002

Top 10 Energy Companies UK

There is still a considerable number of energy suppliers to choose from in the UK, providing consumers with options when it comes to switching their energy provider. While the market has seen some consolidation due to factors such as increased energy prices, there are still numerous companies available to cater to different customer preferences.

Previously, there were over 70 energy companies operating in the UK, but some have ceased trading in recent years. As a result, the market has become more streamlined, and the number of options has reduced. However, there are still significant choices available to consumers.

Many of the remaining energy suppliers offer dual fuel deals, allowing customers to have both their gas and electricity supplied by the same company. This can simplify billing and provide potential cost savings for customers.

Scroll down to know more about the top 10 energy supplying companies in the world as of 2023.

TRENDING

1. British Gas (1812)

British Gas, the leading member of the ‘Big Six’ utility companies in the UK, has a rich history spanning over 200 years under various names. Currently, they hold a significant 23% share of the energy supply market in the country, serving more than 6.4 million customers.

In addition to providing energy services, British Gas offers a range of enticing benefits to its customers. They extend discounts on supplementary services like food and entertainment, and also provide assistance for call-outs related to faulty boilers. Furthermore, their highly regarded Hive remote heating service is widely popular among consumers.

A recent survey conducted by Which? revealed an interesting trend among British Gas customers. It showed that nearly half of their customer base has displayed loyalty by remaining with the company for over 5 years without switching to a different energy provider. This demonstrates the level of satisfaction and trust that many customers have in British Gas, highlighting their ability to retain a loyal customer base.

2. Scottish Power (1990)

Scottish Power, a subsidiary of the Spanish energy company Iberdrola, holds a 10% share in the energy market and serves over 5 million residential and business customers. One of the notable advantages they offer is that they generate their own electricity, primarily relying on renewable sources like wind farms, aligning with the increasing demand for environmentally friendly energy solutions.

However, in a recent survey conducted by Which?, Scottish Power received a customer score of only 55% and finished in the shared 11th position among energy providers. This indicates that there are areas where they may need improvement in terms of customer satisfaction and service quality.

While their commitment to renewable energy is commendable, the survey suggests that there may be some aspects of their customer experience that need attention.

3. E.ON (2000)

E.ON, a prominent energy supplier in the UK, caters to nearly one in eight households, holding a substantial 14% share of the energy market. With a customer base exceeding 3.8 million, E.ON has established itself as a significant player in the industry.

E.ON distinguishes itself by being at the forefront of embracing new technology and promoting sustainability. They offer attractive deals for installing solar panels in homes, provide options for purchasing home batteries, and are actively involved in the installation of electric vehicle charging points across the country.

In fact, E.ON has a special tariff designed specifically for owners of electric or hybrid vehicles, which rewards customers based on their driving habits. Additionally, their fixed tariffs are known to be highly competitive, which has contributed to an influx of new customers. While customer service reviews indicate an average performance, with phone calls taking approximately 9 minutes to answer, queries are promptly addressed.

It’s worth noting that E.ON shares an equal 11th position with other energy suppliers in a survey conducted by Which?, suggesting room for improvement in certain areas. Nonetheless, E.ON’s commitment to technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and competitive tariffs has garnered attention and attracted a growing customer base.

4. EDF Energy (2002)

EDF Energy, a major player in the energy sector, proudly claims to be the largest producer of low-carbon electricity. They own and operate eight power stations, with a significant 70% of their electricity generation sourced from nuclear power, emphasizing their commitment to clean energy production.

In addition to their nuclear power assets, EDF Energy operates 31 wind farms, further showcasing their dedication to renewable energy sources.

EDF’s customer base has experienced growth in recent years, partially due to the acquisition of customers from smaller energy companies that faced financial difficulties, such as Solarplicity and Toto Energy. These customers were transferred to EDF Energy, contributing to the expansion of their customer portfolio.

However, in terms of overall customer satisfaction, EDF Energy received an average score, finishing in 10th place among energy providers in a recent assessment. This suggests that there is room for improvement in enhancing their customer experience and addressing any concerns or issues raised by their customers.

5. SSE (1998)

SSE, like many other major energy companies in the UK, has evolved through a series of mergers since its establishment in 1947. It has incorporated customers from Southern Electric, Swalec, Atlantic, and other companies. While still operating under the SSE brand, their customers are now owned by Ovo Energy, making Ovo the second largest energy supplier in the UK, trailing behind British Gas.

SSE has gained popularity among customers who prioritize renewable energy and sustainability. It stands as the leading green energy supplier in the country, utilizing wind and water resources extensively to generate electricity.

In terms of customer satisfaction, SSE shares the 11th place ranking with Scottish Power, Sainsbury’s Energy, and Eon. While their handling of complaints has been praised, the high number of complaints raises concerns about the underlying issues leading to customer dissatisfaction.

Addressing the question regarding the number of complaints, it is important to understand that energy companies often receive a substantial volume of customer queries and issues due to the complexity of the industry and the challenges associated with billing, tariffs, and service delivery.

While SSE’s handling of complaints may be commendable, the presence of a significant number of complaints suggests that there may be underlying areas where improvements could be made to enhance the overall customer experience.

6. Ovo Energy (2009)

Ovo Energy has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing energy suppliers in the UK. In just over a decade since its inception, Ovo has acquired over 3.5 million customers from SSE, in addition to its existing customer base of 2 million. While both companies continue to trade separately at present, Ovo’s acquisition of SSE’s customers has significantly expanded its market presence.

Ovo Energy remains committed to catering to environmentally conscious customers, a focus they emphasized from their early days. Although they offer a relatively limited range of tariffs compared to other energy providers, Ovo includes options for 100% renewable electricity (with a small fee) and a 100% carbon-neutral gas supply, appealing to those who prioritize green energy sources.

Despite recently being required to pay out nearly £9 million for billing issues, Ovo Energy’s customers have displayed a notable level of satisfaction. In fact, in a survey conducted by Which?, Ovo ranked second among the reviewed energy companies in terms of customer ratings.

This suggests that, despite the billing concerns, Ovo Energy has managed to maintain a positive reputation among its customers, reflecting their overall satisfaction with the company’s services.

7. Shell Energy (2008)

Shell Energy, formerly known as First Utility, underwent a name change in 2018 following its acquisition by the petroleum giant Shell. Shell Energy offers 100% renewable energy to nearly a million households, positioning itself as an environmentally conscious energy provider. Additionally, customers receive a 3% discount each time they refuel their cars at a Shell garage, providing an extra incentive for customers.

In addition to energy services, Shell Energy has expanded into other sectors. They have entered the broadband market, offering internet services, and have also started selling smart home products, further diversifying their product offerings.

While Shell Energy ranks within the top 10 energy suppliers in the UK, it falls behind in terms of customer satisfaction, finishing in a relatively low 15th place out of 16 surveyed suppliers. However, it’s worth noting that Shell Energy sets itself apart by not relying on estimated meter readings for billing.

Instead, the company encourages customers to supply their own readings to ensure more accurate billing, which demonstrates their commitment to transparent and precise billing practices.

8. Octopus Energy (2015)

Octopus Energy, a relatively new player in the gas and electricity supply industry, has experienced remarkable growth since its launch in 2016. Currently providing energy to over one-and-a-half million homes, their customer base continues to expand at an average rate of around 30,000 customers per month. So, what sets them apart and contributes to their success?

One of the key factors that attracts customers to Octopus Energy is the absence of exit fees in any of their tariff options. This policy stands in contrast to larger energy companies that often charge up to £30 per fuel to release customers from their contracts.

This flexibility appeals to consumers and has encouraged many to switch from larger companies to Octopus Energy. Additionally, Octopus Energy differentiates itself by offering 100% renewable electricity and carbon-offset gas, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

In just four years of operation, they have successfully acquired several smaller energy companies, further expanding their reach and customer base.

Octopus Energy’s customer feedback is exceptionally positive, as evidenced by their top-ranking position in the UK energy industry in a survey conducted by Which?. They achieved a remarkable customer score of 70%, reflecting the high level of satisfaction among their customers.

This accolade highlights Octopus Energy’s commitment to providing excellent customer service and meeting the needs and expectations of their clients.

9. Bulb Energy (2013)

Bulb Energy is an energy supplier that prides itself on providing a hassle-free experience for its customers. With a focus on simplicity, they offer only one tariff option, making it easy for customers to understand and compare their offerings.

Bulb Energy’s core objective is to “make energy simpler,” and they have attracted over a million customers in the past three years with their 100% renewable electricity and carbon offset gas. Their commitment to sustainability resonates with environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize renewable energy sources.

One of the notable aspects of Bulb Energy is that they do not charge any exit fees. In fact, they go a step further and offer to cover any exit fees charged by customers’ current energy suppliers if they decide to switch to Bulb. This provides added flexibility and incentive for customers to make the transition.

Despite experiencing financial difficulties and being placed into administration, Bulb Energy has garnered positive recognition in the energy industry. In a recent survey, they were voted the eighth-best energy supplier in the UK. This indicates that, despite their challenges, Bulb Energy has managed to maintain a level of customer satisfaction and deliver a positive customer experience.

10. Utility Warehouse (2002)

Utility Warehouse is an online multiservice provider in the UK, offering a wide range of home services to over 700,000 customers. They aim to provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for customers by offering multiple services under one roof.

Utility Warehouse claims to offer the cheapest variable energy tariff in the UK, and they guarantee to beat the Energy Price Guarantee by up to £125. By choosing to switch more services to Utility Warehouse, customers can potentially achieve even greater savings.

Switching to Utility Warehouse is designed to be a straightforward process. Customers can start by obtaining a quote and selecting their preferred tariff. Utility Warehouse takes care of contacting the customer’s existing supplier to inform them of the switch, handling the transition process while keeping the customer informed at every step.

Popular Energy Companies in UK

Here are a few more popular energy companies in the UK:

Scottish Power: Scottish Power is known for its commitment to renewable energy, particularly through its wind farms. They offer a range of tariffs, including green energy options, and have a strong presence in the Scottish market.

Green Energy UK: As the name suggests, Green Energy UK focuses exclusively on providing 100% renewable electricity and green gas to its customers. They are dedicated to environmental sustainability and have garnered a loyal customer base among eco-conscious consumers.

Ecotricity: Ecotricity is a green energy pioneer in the UK, supplying 100% renewable electricity and green gas. They invest heavily in building renewable energy infrastructure and have a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Good Energy: Good Energy is another renewable energy supplier that offers 100% renewable electricity and supports local renewable energy generation projects. They have a loyal customer base and a strong ethical focus.

Utilita Energy: Utilita Energy is a popular choice for prepaid energy customers. They specialize in smart prepayment technology and offer competitive tariffs and energy management tools.

Bristol Energy: Bristol Energy is a municipal energy company owned by the Bristol City Council. They prioritize community initiatives, local investments, and competitive pricing, making them a popular choice among residents of Bristol.

These are just a few examples of popular energy companies in the UK. Each company has its own unique offerings, such as renewable energy options, competitive pricing, and community-focused initiatives. When choosing an energy supplier, it’s important to consider factors that align with your values, budget, and service requirements.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

Categories: Top 10 News
Source: pagasa.edu.vn