What makes Utility Warehouse different?

Utility Warehouse is unique among energy suppliers in a couple of ways. For starters, aside from, being an energy company, it is also a Multi-Level-Marketing scheme. Much like Avon or Kleeneze. Except that instead of selling goods by going from door to door, partners make commission by referring people to sign up to the brand’s utility bundles.

Who are Utility Warehouse?

Utility Warehouse was founded in 2002 and is based in London. As an MLM company, it relies on word-of-mouth promotion from partner customers rather than conventional advertising. It has around 45,000 partners acting as independent distributors who spread the good word about Utility Warehouse’s offerings.

The brand promises that its atypical setup can offer both convenience and savings to its customers.

Who are Utility Warehouse suppliers

Suppliers or partners are Utility Warehouse customers who choose to make money by evangelising its services and sign people up to its utility bundles. As with any MLM company, referrals generate a commission, and partners can build their own teams of suppliers.

Who owns Utility Warehouse?

Utility Warehouse is owned by parent company, Telecom Plus PLC.

Are Utility Warehouse any good?

Utility Warehouse has a great deal of positive sentiment from both customers and partners. At the time of writing, they enjoy a score of 4.0 on Trustpilot and are ranked as a "Great" supplier.

They also have a modest but eclectic range of tariffs that are substantially lower than the energy price cap. However, in order to get the best savings, you may want to look into a bigger utility bundle. If you have a good experience with the brand and want to spread the good word, becoming a member can be lucrative, however, it can take a long time before you start to make real money from it.

But are they right for you?

Let’s find out by looking first at what matters the most to many energy consumers. Their tariffs and prices.

Utility Warehouse tariffs & prices

At Papernest, we know that cheaper energy isn’t just about finding the right supplier, but about finding the right tariff as well.

Utility Warehouse have a fairly modest range of tariffs, alongside potentially money-saving phone and broadband bundles. All the unit rates and standing charges below are based on UK averages. Your rates may differ, based on whereabouts in the country you live. Monthly and annual costs are based on average UK energy consumption of 2,090 kWh of electricity and 12,000 kWh of gas per year.

Let’s take a look at what they have to offer...

Below you can find the cost information associated with these tariffs.

Utility Warehouse Variable Rate Tariffs

Utility Warehouse has one standard variable tariff available for offer. Variable rates imply that you can switch to a different supplier without costs. However, your rates might fluctuate according to the market rates.

The costs associated with this tariff can be seen here:

Utility Warehouse Fixed Rate Tariffs

Utility Warehouse offers 1 fixed rate tariff plans, you can see the details in the table below.

The pricing on these tariffs can be seen here:

Utility Warehouse Prepaid Tariffs

Utility Warehouse also has prepayment tariffs. With prepayment meters you top up your credit and then depending on your usage your credit decreases slowly or fastly.

Costs associated with this tariff plan can be seen here:

Utility Warehouse Economy 7 Tariffs

Utility Warehouse also provides Economy 7 plans if you have a Economy 7 Meter.

As mentioned previously, these tariffs have two separate unit rates, one for peak hours of consumption and another for off-peak.

Pricing on these tariffs can be seen here:

Utility Warehouse Double Gold

Utility Warehouse also offers a "double gold" bundle. Again, this can be applied to any of its energy tariffs. It offers the same call rates as above, as well as some extra perks including:

• Free Gourmet Society Card
• Free Mobile Phone Protection Scheme
• 'Double the Difference' Price Promise when you join their Discount Club

Utility Warehouse will even pay your early exit fee if you end your existing fixed-rate tariff early to join this plan. Up to the value of £100 per fuel.

Do Utility Warehouse do business tariffs?

Yes, Utility Warehouse also offer special business rates for commercial customers. They offer flexible contracts as well as a contribution of up to £200 if you want to get out of your existing contract early.

Like most suppliers, Utility Warehouse does not advertise its business rates, as these are negotiated on an individual basis. Rates are dependent on a number of factors, including:

• Your business location/s
• The size of your business
• How much energy you use, and which fuels
• Your peak energy load hours

You can get a quote by visiting Utility Warehouse’s Business Customer page or calling 0333 777 3252.

Do Utility Warehouse have smart meters? What smart meters do they offer?

Yes, Utility Warehouse offers smart meters to new and existing customers. The company doesn’t explicitly state what kind of smart meters it offers. However, it does state in its smart meter FAQ page that customers with smart meters will still be able to switch energy suppliers after installation. This implies that they offer second-generation or SMETS2 smart meters.

Don’t forget that when you’re ready to switch plans, the Papernest team can help you to find the perfect tariff to match your changing circumstances.

How to apply for the Warm Home Discount with Utility Warehouse

If you’re of pension age (core group) or in receipt of income-related benefits (broader group), you may be eligible for the Warm Home Discount. This is a government initiative that is facilitated by energy suppliers. It offers a flat £140 discount on energy in the colder months between September and March.

To see if you are eligible or to make an application for 2021 / 2022, click here.

Utility Warehouse customer reviews: What do their customers say?

At the time of writing, Utility Warehouse enjoys very positive customer sentiment, with an overall customer score of 4.0 out of 5 on its Trustpilot page. This puts the supplier at the upper end of "Great" and a step away from "Excellent".

Utility Warehouse currently has 15,014 customer reviews. Of which:

• 9,729 (65%) were "Excellent"
• 1,996 (13%) were "Great"
• 589 (4%) were "Average"
• 454 (3%) were "Poor"
• 2,276 (3%) were "Bad"

Positive reviews cite clear communication and a high standard of customer service. Quick and easy issue resolution was also a recurring factor, as were value for money and ease of switching. A number of partners also stated that they had positive experiences with the brand, supplementing their income by incentivising people to switch to Utility Warehouse.

Negative reviews, on the other hand, focused on billing inaccuracies, difficulties getting a callback, and pushy sales calls. A couple of partners also documented negative experiences and a lack of support from the brand.

How green is Utility Warehouse?

Utility Warehouse offers 100% renewable energy on its fixed-rate tariffs. Between this and the planting of trees for every new sign-up to the Green Fixed tariff, this is a great step in the right direction. As is the distribution of energy-saving bulbs.

However, offering a green energy tariff does not necessarily make a green supplier. It’s also about looking at the fuels that they use to generate their energy.

Utility Warehouse energy fuel mix

Although they have renewable energy tariffs, Utility Warehouse does not have a completely renewable energy fuel mix. In fact, most of its energy comes from burning natural gas. While this is cleaner than burning coal or oil, it still has a higher carbon footprint than renewables like solar, wind and hydropower.

You can see their full energy fuel mix in the table below:

Contacting Utility Warehouse

As well as looking at their energy prices and renewability, you need to know how easy it is to contact a prospective energy supplier. After all, cheap renewable energy is great. But it’s less easy to appreciate it when you’re waiting on hold for the better part of an hour to speak to a human being.

An independent survey found that customers rated Utility Warehouse 3 out of 5 stars for customer service. A snapshot test found that it took them just 2 minutes 16 seconds to answer the phone. When requesting email contact, this took 2 days 14 hours.

You can contact Utility Warehouse by calling 0333 777 0777. Phone lines are open from 9am to 5:30pm during the week and 9am to 4:30pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can fill out the form on the contact page and a member of the customer service team will get back to you.

Deaf or speech-impaired customers can email deafmemberservices@uw.co.uk.

Utility Warehouse: How to pay

The cheapest and easiest way to pay your energy bill with Utility Warehouse is to set up a direct debit. However, you can also pay monthly by credit or debit card via their website or through their Clubhouse app. You can also pay by BACS transfer or by cheque / postal order.

How to refer a friend to Utility Warehouse

Most energy suppliers have a referral scheme that gives you cashback off your next bill by referring a friend. However, as an MLM scheme, you can only refer a friend by becoming a partner. However, depending on how long your referral spends with the company, there’s scope for much higher earnings. Partners can earn up to £370 for every new customer that they sign up. Click here to find out more about the partner scheme.

How to complain about Utility Warehouse

If you have a complaint about Utility Warehouse, you can either call them on 0333 777 0777, or write to:

Utility Warehouse Ltd
508 Edgware Road
The Hyde
London

NW9 5AB

How to switch to Utility Warehouse

If you think Utility Warehouse might be the supplier for you, get in touch with the Papernest team today. We can find the perfect Utility Warehouse tariff to suit your needs and usage. We’ll even manage your switch from end-to-end so you can enjoy cheaper energy and utility bundle deals faster and completely hassle-free.

Want to know more?

Call us today on 0330 818 6225.

We’re available from 8am to 6pm.

Would you like to know more about energy suppliers in the UK? Great! Check out these related articles to learn more:

1. British Gas
2. Scottish Power
3. Eon
4. Octopus energy
5. ESB Energy

E.ON buys npower - What does it mean for customers?

Is npower still trading?

Yes. npower is still trading, and the brand is still active. However, as you can see from their website, npower’s customers are gradually getting transported over to the emerging brand E.On Next. Little is known about this emerging brand at the time of writing, except that it will offer 100% renewable energy and boast its own user-friendly website that will enable customers to manage their own accounts.

However, when accessing npower’s tariffs page, visitors are transported directly to E.On’s list of tariffs. So we can assume that prices and plans will remain the same as those currently offered by E.On. At least for the time being.

npower has assured existing customers that for the time being they can still access their npower account and enjoy their existing tariffs and rates (although these are not available to new customers).

Who is npower owned by?

npower came under the ownership of fellow Big 6 supplier E.On in early 2019. Before this, however, it was owned by Innogy SE, a subsidiary of the German energy giant RWE. E.On is also a German company.

When was npower founded?

npower, as we know it, was founded in 2016. In the early ‘00s it was known as Innogy PLC before being bought by the German energy giant RWE and rebranded as npower.

When will I be switched from npower to E.ON?

If you are currently an npower customer, you can assume that it’s business as usual until you find out otherwise. Although no official timetable has been issued for when npower customers will switch to the nascent E.On Next brand, it is likely to take place over 2021. npower promises that customers will be given plenty of notice before the switch takes place. Ofgem guidelines dictate that customers must be given at least 30 days’ notice before any changes to their energy supply and prices.

Will I be on a different contract with E.On? Will I pay more?

For the time being, npower customers are able to retain their current tariffs, and will be given plenty of notice if they have to change tariffs. As soon as you find out what your new tariff will be under E.On Next, the Papernest team will be able to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere. npower have explicitly stated that customers with prepayment meters will not pay more when they move to E.On Next.

What happens if I'm in credit with npower?

Fear not! Your credit balance is safe and secure, and npower have promised that any credit on your account will be transferred over to npower.

Will npower take on my unresolved complaint to E.On?

Because the npower brand is still active, you should still be able to get some resolution on your unresolved complaint. npower aims to resolve all customer complaints within 8 weeks. If your complaint has not been dealt with to your satisfaction within this timeframe, you can take your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman.

I don’t want a contract with E.On Can I switch?

If you’d rather not join the herd in moving to E.On, you can always switch to an alternative energy supplier. However, be advised that some of npower’s tariffs (such as the Fix Online v43 Feb 2022) carry an early exit fee of £30 per fuel.

However, the Papernest team can help you to switch to a new tariff that will allow you to make significant savings that may more than make up for this fee.

Were npower any good?

Despite their size and resources, npower have had more than their fair share of issues in recent years. Between 2013 and 2014 there was a spate of half a million late and inaccurate energy bills. This was followed by issues between 2016 and 2017 with customers being charged early exit fees that were not applicable to their tariffs when switching. By the time of the acquisition by E.On in 2019 npower had a complaints ratio of 2,188 complaints per 100,000 customers.

Do npower have smart meters?

Although npower have been fitting smart meters for their customers until very recently, all new installations have been suspended. However, their website states that once all customers have been transferred to E.On Next smart meter installations will resume.

Can I still change tariff on npower?

Although many npower customers will inevitably transfer over to E.On, you can still switch to a new energy plan at any time. Just contact the experts at Papernest. When we know the name of your current tariff, your location and a rough idea of your energy expenditure, we can get to work finding the perfect new tariff for your needs. However, if you’d prefer to wait and see what E.On Next has to offer, we can still find a tariff that’s likely to beat it.

What are npower tariffs?

While existing customers will remain on the same tariffs for the foreseeable future, npower’s range of tariffs are not available to new customers. What we can do, however, is take a look at E.On’s current offerings. These are the rates that are available to you as a new customer. All rates are accurate at the time of writing. However, these may be supplanted at a future date by new tariffs that are exclusive to the E.On Next brand.

E.On has an eclectic but modest range of domestic energy tariffs that should be able to suit all needs. What’s more, all of E.On’s energy tariffs come with 100% renewable electricity as standard.

All prices quoted include VAT at 5%. Rates are based on national averages, though yours may differ depending on where in the country you live. Monthly / annual estimated expenditure is based on UK average use of 12,000 kWh of gas and 2,900 kWh of electricity per year.

Below you can find the cost information associated with these tariffs.

EON Variable Rate Tariffs

Eon has one standard variable tariff for variable rates. The advantage for having a variable rate is the flexibility in switching plans. This comes at a cost though, which is the chance of higher rates if the market price is higher.

The costs associated with this tariff can be seen here:

Eon Fixed Rate Tariffs

Eon has several fixed rate tariff plans. We have an overview of them down below.

The pricing on these tariffs can be seen here:

Eon Prepaid Tariffs

Eon also allows the use of Prepaid Meters. With this type of meter, rather than paying after your use, you top up your meter and the credit slowly depletes.

Costs associated with this tariff plan can be seen here:

Eon Economy 7 Tariffs

Eon also has Economy 7 plans available for people who have an economy 7 meter.

As mentioned previously, these tariffs have two separate unit rates, one for peak hours of consumption and another for off-peak.

Pricing on these tariffs can be seen here:

E.On Prepayment tariff

Like npower, E.On offers a variable tariff for customers with prepayment meter, although unit rates are not disclosed. Existing npower customers have been assured that their unit rates will not rise after transitioning to E.On Next.

Customers will also be able to continue using the same card / key to top up their meter.

How green was npower?

Like all of the "Big 6" energy suppliers, npower offered 100% renewable energy tariffs, as will emerging brand E.On Next. But just because a supplier offers renewable energy plans does not mean that their fuel mix is free of fossil fuels.

npower energy fuel mix

You can see npower’s energy fuel mix across all of its brands in the table below. This data was posted to the brand’s website in March 2020 and has not been updated since, so we can presume that it is still accurate.

Conversely, you can see E.On’s energy fuel mix in the table below:

npower customer reviews

Unfortunately, npower’s customers have not been kind to the brand on their Trustpilot page. npower has received a total of 2,795 reviews on the platform. Of these:

• 80 (3%) were "Excellent"
• 28 (1%) were "Great"
• 24 (<1%) were "Average"
• 69 (2%) were "Poor"
• 2,594 (93%) were "Bad"

This gives them an aggregate score of 1.2 out of 5 stars, making them one of few energy suppliers in the realm of "Bad".

Though positive reviews are sparse, they raise some encouraging points. Happy customers site friendly and well-trained staff, helpful responses in dealing with issues, clear and concise information with regards to the switch to E.On and the convenience of being able to request a callback rather than waiting in a queue.

Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of reviews for npower are poor. Billing issues seem common, with one customer complaining that the company threatened to forward their case to a debt collection agency, giving them just one day to respond. Another reviewer complains of being lumbered with the previous occupant’s debt when paying for energy through their prepay meter. A cautionary tale that highlights the importance of requesting your own key / card as soon as you move into a property with a prepay meter.

How to contact npower?

Existing customers can still contact npower’s customer service team if they need to talk about their energy account. However, their website states that they will need to contact E.On as soon as their plan transitions to E.On Next.

In the meantime, you can contact npower over the phone on 0800 316 9328. Alternatively, you can login to your npower account and use the Live Chat feature.

How to cancel npower

If you want to switch to a new supplier, you don’t need to contact npower. Just get in touch with the Papernest team, and we’ll find the perfect energy tariff for your needs. Once you’ve decided on the plan for you, we and your new supplier will take care of everything. Your switch will usually be completed within 15 days.

How to contact E.On?

If you’d like to talk to E.On about their energy tariffs or any aspect of the npower switch, you can get in touch with them on 0345 052 0000. Alternatively, you can write to:

Customer Service Centre
E. ON
PO Box 7750
Nottingham

NG1 6WR

Thinking of making the switch to npower / E.On? Make sure you get in touch with us first!

As we can see, this is a transitional time for the npower brand. But if you’re thinking of switching to npower / E.On Next, don’t commit to anything without contacting the experts at papernest first. We can trawl the energy market for the perfect supplier and tariff to suit your needs and budget. We’ll even manage your switch from end-to-end to bring you cheaper, greener energy fast and completely hassle-free.

Call us today on 0330 818 6225 to find out more.

We’re available from 8am to 6pm.

Would you like to know more about energy suppliers in the UK? Great! Check out these related articles:

1. British Gas
2. Scottish Power
3. EON
4. Octopus Energy
5. Avro Energy

In the case of a default, Boiler insurance policies will generally cover the cost of labour, the cost of parts and an access to a 24/7 helpline. Price and the small extra services that are provided are what make the difference from one provider to the other.

Boiler cover policies are often aimed at landlords. However, they are popular with owner occupiers as well. Comparing boiler cover deals is the best way of ensuring you find the policy and the price that’s right for you.

Offering peace of mind and access to Gas Safe engineers, these policies can be a good option if you want to avoid an expensive pay out when your boiler breaks down. Keep reading to find out more about boiler cover, the different policies available and how to find the best deal for your household.

What is Boiler Cover?

Repairing a faulty boiler or central heating system can be expensive. Even minor repairs can easily set you back £150, with more complex issues often costing several hundred pounds to resolve. If your radiators, flue, or pipes are also not working properly, your repair bill can soon add up to even more.

Boiler cover is designed to help homeowners and landlords pay for the cost of boiler repairs. If a boiler breaks down, the policy holder can call out a qualified engineer and have the issue resolved as quickly as possible.

Boiler cover policies will generally include:

• The cost of labour
• The cost of parts
• Access to a 24/7 helpline

Some policies may also include:

• The cost of repairing your wider central heating system
• The cost of repairing faulty wiring in the property
• An annual service to keep your boiler in good condition
• The full or partial cost of replacing your boiler

When comparing boiler cover policies, it’s important to check exactly what each policy includes. This will ensure you know exactly what you’re paying for and don’t get any nasty surprises if your boiler breaks down.

Who is boiler cover for?

Boiler cover is very popular with landlords as it takes care of some of the admin involved with running a tenanted property. It also allows landlords to get help to their tenants as quickly as possible in case of a boiler breakdown.

This is especially important for landlords as they are legally required to ensure that their properties are heated to an adequate level. If the landlord fails to ensure the property has heating and hot water at all times, they are breaching both their legal obligation and the tenancy agreement.

However, boiler cover can also be purchased by homeowners who want peace of mind that their boiler is insured in case of a breakdown. Homeowners often invest in more comprehensive policies that cover the wider central heating system and the home’s wiring as well.

In general, tenants don’t need to take out boiler cover policies. This is because, in almost all cases, it’s the landlord who is responsible for arranging boiler repairs and covering the cost of call outs.

Compare boiler cover prices

Boiler cover prices can range from as little as £2.50 per month to as much as £30 per month.

In general, the cheaper the policy, the less comprehensive it will be. Policies that cost just a few pounds per month are unlikely to cover the wider central heating system and the property’s wiring. They probably also won’t include the cost of an annual service.

When comparing boiler cover policies, it’s important to look at the value for money each deal offers. In some cases, policies that cost just a little more a month offer policy holders a lot more extras, so it can be worth looking at a range of deals around your budget to ensure you get the most for your money.

In some cases, home insurance policies will also include boiler cover. If yours does, there’s no need to take out a separate policy. Make sure you check your home insurance details before you begin comparing boiler cover deals.

Compare boiler cover plans

Comparing boiler cover plans will help you to find the policy that’s right for your home. Before you begin, think about how much you can spend on boiler cover every month.

It’s also worth thinking about the things that go wrong most often in your property. For example, does your wiring often need attention or are your radiators prone to problems? This should give you an idea of the level of cover you require for your property.

When you compare boiler cover policies, you’ll see that they are divided into three categories. These are:

• Basic cover – covers just the boiler in case of breakdown
• Boiler and central heating cover – will also cover the costs of emergency repairs to your central heating system
• Fully comprehensive cover – also includes your home’s wiring

The table below shows a selection of the most popular plans on the market and the main services they offer:

In general, the more comprehensive your policy is, the more it will cost. However, this isn’t always the case with some companies offering very affordable comprehensive policies to cover your boiler, central heating and wiring systems.

Before you begin comparing prices, think about the level of cover you need for your property. If you want complete peace of mind, a comprehensive policy may be the best deal. However, if you just want to know you won’t be hit by a big bill in the case of a sudden breakdown, a basic policy may be sufficient for your needs.

Our boiler cover recommendation

While there are a lot of good boiler cover options currently available, the best options currently on the market are from Hometree. The specialist boiler, heating and home insurance provider has a Trustpilot rating of ‘Excellent’ and a great choice of affordable and comprehensive boiler cover deals.
The provider completes 90% of emergency callouts within 24 hours, covers boilers of any age and, if your existing boiler can’t be fixed, gives you 15% off of a new appliance.

How to compare boiler cover prices?

If cheap policies can also be comprehensive, you may be wondering why anyone would pay more for boiler cover. Well, the answer is that more expensive policies generally offer more extras than lower cost deals. This can make them better value in the long run.

For example, if you take out a very cheap boiler cover policy, you may be asked to pay a significant excess every time you need to call out an engineer. You may also be limited to the number of times you can call for help per year or to the amount of time the engineer can spend fixing the issue.

More expensive policies on the other hand may not require you to pay an excess or place a limit on the number of callouts you’re allowed to make per year. They may also include extras like an annual service or money towards a new boiler if your appliance is found to be irreparable

Checking these restrictions when comparing boiler cover plans will help you to find the right deal for your household.

Compare boiler cover including annual service

Taking out a boiler cover policy that includes an annual service can make it easier to keep your boiler in good condition. If you know you want an annual service with your cover, make sure you select this option when comparing deals.

How to compare landlord boiler cover?

Some companies offer boiler cover policies that are specifically designed for landlords. These often allow tenants to report issues directly to the insurance provider and give a range of other benefits aimed at people who own tenanted properties.
If you plan to use an impartial price service to compare boiler cover deals, make sure you let them know you want landlord cover at the beginning of the comparison process.

Do I lose boiler cover if I switch energy suppliers?

As you’ll see when you begin to compare boiler cover policies, this type of insurance is available from a number of different providers. As well as specialist home insurance companies, boiler cover is also commonly on offer from energy suppliers.

Taking out a boiler cover policy with your gas and electricity supplier can help to keep admin to a minimum. You may also feel you can trust your energy supplier over other providers as they’re already supplying you with an important service.

If you do have boiler cover with your energy supplier and want to switch energy companies, you won’t lose your boiler cover policy. This is because boiler cover is completely separate from utilities. So your boiler cover payments and contract will still continue even if you move to a new gas or electricity company.

How does boiler cover work?

If you have a boiler cover policy and your appliance breaks down, you can call your company’s helpline and arrange for a Gas Safe engineer to be sent to your property. Most companies that provide boiler cover have 24/7 helplines, although this isn’t always the case. When comparing boiler cover policies, make sure you check what’s on offer before you sign on the dotted line.

Ideally, the engineer should arrive at your property within a few hours of your call. If you have vulnerable people in your house, like children, disabled or elderly people, you should make your provider aware of this when you call. This should help to ensure that help gets to you as soon as possible.

When the engineer arrives at your property, they’ll take a closer look at your boiler to see exactly what’s wrong. In some cases, the engineer may be able to fix the appliance there and then.

However, in other cases they may need to order spare parts before repairs can be carried out. Your boiler policy should cover all or part of the cost of this repair.

All boiler cover policies should give you access to Gas Safe engineers. These are engineers that are fully qualified to deal with boilers and central heating systems.

Using a registered engineer will ensure that the work carried out is of a high standard and that the boiler is safe for the residents of the property to use. Annual services should also be carried out by registered gas safe engineers.

What next for customers?

In general there is not much that customers can do at the moment apart from waiting. However, we will go over some of the things to keep in mind and to be considerate of in the coming period.

Why did Together Energy go bust?

Together Energy was forced out of business by the huge increases in costs of wholesale energy in the UK. As the prices were still capped by the energy cap of Ofgem, together energy was losing money on each customer. Which led to their official downfall on the 1st of January, 2022.

I’m a Together Energy customer: Will my energy supply be interrupted?

No, Ofgem will make sure that you will be transferred automatically to British Gas. This will ensure that you will keep receiving gas and electricity as normal.

Should I continue to pay Together Energy?

You should pay all the bills that you receive from them until you are officially transferred to British Gas. British gas will then inform you on what will happen to any credit or debt that is open on your account. Most likely your credit or debt will be honoured by British Gas, and you thus will receive(have to pay) the exact same amount as before.

Will I be able to keep the same contract?

No you will be set on a deemed contract at British Gas. British Gas will be in touch when the procedure is completed, they will inform you with the specifics of your new deal.

When will British Gas be in touch?

This process usually takes a few weeks. Together Energy had 150,000 customers which all need to be personally conctacted. If it is taking longer than a few weeks without hearing anything, you can try to be in touch with British Gas´ customer service.

Will my bills go up at British Gas?

Probably your bills go up after the automatic switch. The consequences of the energy crisis and the Ukraine war on energy prices are high, and with the Energy companies feel the consequences of the energy crisis. Also, the Energy Price Cap has risen substantially, which means that energy tariffs will be higher. Down below we go into more detail on the tariffs that are available at British Gas.

British Gas tariffs

British Gas offers multiple different plans to its customers. Down below we give an overview of the most important plans and the average annual costs.

British Gas average annual total tariff costs

Here we dissect the average annual total costs of the more common British Gas plans/a>. These costs are based on a standard meter and dual fuel consumption!

Below you can find the cost information associated with these tariffs.

Plan name	Tariff type	Is the tariff live?	Average electricity annual cost (£/year)	Average gas annual cost (£/year)	Average total annual cost (£/year)	Exit fees (£/fuel)	Green tariff**
	Standard Variable	❌	£ 1,274.92*	£ 1,481.07*	£ 1,610.706*	£ 75.00	✖️
/	Fixed - 12 months	❌	£ 1,274.92*	£ 1,481.07*	£ 2,753.830*	£ 75.00	✖️
/	Fixed - 24 months	❌	£ 1,087.49*	£ 1,481.07*	£ 2,023.698*	£ 75.00	✖️
/	Green - Fixed 12	❌	£ 1,298.93*	£ 1,505.09*	£ 2,801.784*	£ 75.00	✔️
/	Green - Fixed 24	❌	£ 1,298.93*	£ 1,505.09*	£ $UK_NRJ_BG_GF24_annualc$*	£ 75.00	✔️
/	Prepayment Variable	❌	£ 1,298.93*	£ 1,505.09*	£ 1,159.148*	£ 75.00	✖️

Prices differ on a postcode basis, this table therefore displays national averages
* Based on the official TDCV : 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year
** This tariff is green if all the energy consumed is compensated by renewable energy injections in the grid.
Rates are inclusive of VAT at 5%.

British Gas Variable Rate Tariffs

British Gas at the moment has just one variable tariff, the standard variable rate tariff. This type of contract gives you flexibility with exiting as you don´t have to pay any exit fees. However, your prices in your plan will always follow market rates. They therefore might fluctuate during your contract period.

The costs associated with this tariff can be seen here:

Plan name	Tariff type	Type of fuel	Is the tariff live?	Standing charge (p/day)	Unit rate cost (p/kWh)	Average total annual cost (£/year)	Exit cost (£/fuel)	Green tariff**
	Standard Variable	Electricity	❌	42.01 p*	38.67 p*	£ 1,274.92*	£ 75.00	✖️
/	Standard Variable	Gas	❌	31.85 p*	11.37 p*	£ 1,481.07*	£ 75.00	✖️

Prices differ on a postcode basis, this table therefore displays national averages
* Based on the official TDCV : 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year
** This tariff is green if all the energy consumed is compensated by renewable energy injections in the grid.
Rates are inclusive of VAT at 5%.

British Gas Fixed Rate Tariffs

Please find the lastest fixed rate tariffs on offer at British Gas.

Plan name	Tariff type	Type of fuel	Is the tariff live?	Standing charge (p/day)	Unit rate cost (p/kWh)	Average total annual cost (£/year)	Exit cost (£/fuel)	Green tariff**
/	Fixed - 12 months	Electricity	❌	42.01 p*	38.67 p*	£ 1,274.92*	£ 75.00	✖️
/	Fixed - 24 months	Electricity	❌	42.01 p*	32.21 p*	£ 1,087.49*	£ 75.00	✖️
/	Green - Fixed 12	Electricity	❌	48.59 p*	38.67 p*	£ 1,298.93*	£ 75.00	✔️
/	Green - Fixed 24	Electricity	❌	48.59 p*	38.67 p*	£ 1,298.93*	£ 75.00	✔️
/	Fixed - 12 months	Gas	❌	31.85 p*	11.37 p*	£ 1,481.07*	£ 75.00	✖️
/	Fixed - 24 months	Gas	❌	31.85 p*	11.37 p*	£ 1,481.07*	£ 75.00	✖️
/	Green - Fixed 12	Gas	❌	38.42 p*	11.37 p*	£ 1,505.09*	£ 75.00	✔️
/	Green - Fixed 24	Gas	❌	38.42 p*	11.37 p*	£ 1,505.09*	£ 75.00	✔️

Prices differ on a postcode basis, this table therefore displays national averages
* Based on the official TDCV : 2,900.00 kWh of ⚡ and 12,000.00 kWh of 🔥 per year
** This tariff is green if all the energy consumed is compensated by renewable energy injections in the grid.
Rates are inclusive of VAT at 5%.

Fixed Rate and Economy 7 rates

If youare interested in fixed rates, prepayment rates or Economy 7 rates, British Gas will have options for you. If you follow our page on British gas you can get an overview of fixed rates, prepayment energy rates and economy 7 rates of British gas.

Am I allowed to switch supplier?

Of course, you can always switch supplier if you like. But, we have to warn you that at the moment, the However, the energy market is in such a stressfull situation that switching is not recommended. It would be almost impossible to find cheaper rates.

Do I have to stay with British Gas?

No you are free to go where you want. But, as said before, finding better rates will be very difficult. Also since British Gas is one of the more stable suppliers, it might be good to stay put for now until the situation has normalised again.

What happens if I was in the process of switching suppliers when Together Energy went bust?

Your switch should be processed as normal.

Who was Together Energy?

As well as being an energy company, Together Energy liked to see itself as a social enterprise. The company claimed that it was working hard to make energy affordable, fair and sustainable and says that it believes fuel poverty should be a thing of the past.
Together Energy was an independent energy company. This means that it wasn´t a subsidiary of any of the larger names in the industry. The supplier offered both gas and electricity and they had a good choice of tariffs available.

What made Together Energy different?

Together Energy said that it cared about its customers and its community. The company claimed to employ 90% of its staff from the poorest 10% of Scotland’s postcodes.
The staff wasn’t trained to read a script when answering the phone to customers, instead, they were encouraged to listen to each individual complaint or query and respond accordingly. Together Energy hoped that this approach made their staff more responsive and more helpful, something that’s not always evident in the company’s reviews.
As well as a different approach to customer service, they also said that its affordability made it stand out. The company said that its two and three-year fixed rate deals were among the cheapest in the UK. However, according to independent reviews, they were not considerably more affordable than tariffs offered by other suppliers.

Was Together Energy cheap?

They claimed to offer the cheapest two and three-year fixed rate deals in the UK. And while it’s true that their tariffs did represent good value for money, there were other suppliers out there with comparable rates.
If you’re looking for a cheap gas or electricity supplier, make sure you use an impartial tool, like our Switch Plan, to check the current deals available in your area. This will ensure you find the most affordable tariff for your household.

How green was Together Energy?

More and more customers in the UK are putting sustainability at the top of their priority list when selecting an energy supplier. If renewable energy is important to you, it’s a good idea to look at a prospective supplier’s fuel mix to assess their commitment to the environment.
Although Together Energy has the word ‘Green’ in its tariffs, none of its deals were particularly kind on Mother Nature. The company didn´t offer 100% renewable energy tariffs and even its standard deals used much less green electricity that the UK standard.

Together Energy fuel mix

The table below shows the Together Energy fuel mix compared to the national average:

Together Energy customer reviews

When they first started trading back in 2016, it got generally good reviews from its customers. Since then however, things have gone downhill and today, Together Energy customer reviews are not very encouraging.
Things seem to have gone wrong for the company’s customer service in 2018 when it took on 36,000 customers from OneSelect. It’s possible that this forced them to grow too quickly and its staff simply couldn’t keep up.
On internet review site Trustpilot, Together Energy is rated ‘poor’ with a score of 2.4 out of 5. And although 26% of reviews rate the company as ‘Excellent’, a significant 56% rate it as ‘Bad’, the lowest possible score.

A lot of Together Energy customer reviews mention difficulty in contacting the company and a lack of response to phone calls and emails. When customers did get through, issues took a long time to be resolved and many customers are not satisfied with the service they receive.

Inaccurate billing also seemed to be a problem for Together Energy customers. A lot of reviews mention having money taken from their accounts erroneously and difficulty in re-claiming money that has been taken by mistake.
Together Energy reviews posted on impartial sites include:

• "Four times Together Energy have promised to send me a cheque for £120 and they've failed to do so, even though they told the Ombudsman they would."
• "After 1year and 3 months Together Energy has at last given me back my own money. I left them in November 2019 because they doubled my direct debit payment for no reason. Despite countless phone calls and emails, I have my £800 returned with no compensation and no apology."
• "It took around 9 months to get some kind of login to the website and despite being told my direct debit would increase it never did. They took my first direct debit twice and now I have left them they have still taken another payment!!!"

On a more positive note, one customer said:

• "Happy with the direct debit and billing arrangements.
  Generally have found Together Energy to be easier to contact and pretty quick at resolving any issues....far better than the previous supplier."

And another said:

• "All the advice and assistance I needed. Didn't have to wait in a queue too long for it either."

Was Together Energy any good?

Judging by reviews, tariffs, fuel mix and customer satisfaction, it’s fair to say that Together Energy had room for improvement. The company needed to improve its customer service and issue resolution.

Read more about other UK energy suppliers:

• Bulb
• Octopus Energy
• Co-op Energy
• Entice Energy
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Free Service

What´s up next for customers?

You cannot do that much at the moment. The best is to wait until the transfer to Scottish Power is complete. Then you can discuss with Scottish Power what you are options are.

Why did Entice Energy stop?

Energy costs were rising steadily in 2021. The energy price cap limited the degree to which companies could pass these costs onto the customer. Entice Energy could not keep up with the losses they were incurring and therefore were forced to shut down.

Will my energy supply be interrupted?

No, Ofgem will make sure that your supply will be transferred automatically from Entice to Scottish Power. You should not have to do anything.

Should I continue to pay Entice Energy?

It is best to keep on paying your bills. Until the switch is fully completed you might still receive from Entice energy. Also potentially your outstanding debt or credit could still be settled by Entice energy. You should still pay these bills. Scottish Power will be in touch with you about what they will do if you have debt or credit outstanding.

Will my bills go up at Scottish Power?

Energy prices have risen spectacularly due to the energy crisis and the Ukraine conflict. Your switch will therefore mean that you are going to pay more under your new supplier. Also, the Energy cap has increased substantially, meaning that companies can charge significantly higher ratings.

When will Scottish Power contact me?

This might take a few weeks if it has not happened already. If they still have not contacted you after a long time, you can reach out to their customer service.

Can I switch suppliers right now?

Technically it is possible to switch supplier. However, as stated before, switching right now probably involves higher costs. The energy prices keep on rising and therefore finding a cheaper rate will be incredibly hard.

Do I have to stay with Scottish Power?

You don´t have to remain at Scottish Power if you don´t want to. Then again, since the prices are so high for all suppliers, finding a cheaper supplier is going to be very difficult.

Scottish Power tariffs in 2021: what can I choose from?

Scottish Power has plenty of choice for you.

Fixed and variable tariffs

Scottish Power offers both fixed and variable tariffs. With fixed rates the price you pay remains stable for the contract duration. For variable rates it can vary based on market prices. Fixed rates have advantages of no unexpected price hikes in your contract, but offer less flexibility in terms of switching.

Scottish Power Tariffs

Below is an overview of the costs for Scottish Power's long-term fixed rate tariff plans:

Scottish Power's Variable Tariffs

Scottish Power also has several variable tariff options:

Economy 7

Scottish Power’s offers Economy 7 options. For which your rates for electricity are significantly lower between 10pm and 8:30pm. To find out more aboutScottish Power's Economy 7 tariffs, check out this more detailed article.

Who was Entice Energy?

Found in 2015, Entice Energy was one of the newer suppliers in the market. They started supplying just gas, and in 2018 also started supplying electricity. They saw their small size as an advantage over the larger companies. They focused on quick and easy switching, low prices, and a personalised approach to customer service.

Entice Energy customer service: A different approach

Entice Energy marketed their "Energy Free" customer service approach. People could make an appointment for a call themselves in the website´s portal. Customers were allowed to choose which employee would contact them. This person would remain their personal contact person throughout the customer journey.

Clients were highly enthousiastic about the personalised service they received. With a large number of people mentioning their customer representative by name in their reviews.

What did customers think of Entice?

Entice Energy was collecting very impressive customer reviews on their Trustpilot page. With 104 reviews in total, Entice Energy scored 4.4 out of 5-star on customer satisfaction.

Of these 104 reviews:

• 91 (88%) were "Excellent"
• 5 (5%) were "Great"
• 1 (less than 1%) was "Average"
• 1 (less than 1%) was "Poor"
• 6 (6%) were "Bad"

The Good

The customer service was the most common positive point. The quick, personalised service with attention for the customer´s needs was highly appraised. Also technical issues were often resolved quickly and prices were regarded very reasonable.

The Bad

The most common negative point was related to prices shooting up suddenly. However, this was more caused by market rates rather than company policies.

Call us today on 0330 818 6223. We’re available from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Read more:

• Moneyplus energy
• Better energy
• Powershop
• Sainsbury's energy

Like all other Co-op brand businesses, the company is owned by its members. If you become a customer then you get a say in how the business is run. All energy supplied by Co-op Energy, in conjunction with its partner Octopus, comes from 100% renewable sources, as has been requested by Co-op members in the past. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about their tariffs, fuel mix and how to switch, as well as providing the contact details you might need.

Who is Co-op Energy?

Co-op Energy is part of the Midcounties Co-operative, which is the UK’s largest independent co-operative. Founded in 2010 and with a dedication to offer customers 100% renewable and carbon offset energy at good prices, they merged with Octopus Energy in 2019. They currently have around 300,000 customers in the UK, and while they do not supply energy directly they still operate as an independent energy supplier with a range of tariffs.

Is Co-op Energy any good?

Both Co-op and partner Octopus are very highly regarded by customers, which you can see by looking at the various online surveys and customer feedback sites. The most respected of these is the annual Which? energy survey. They source the opinion of thousands of users, asking them to score their suppliers in various areas of service. The latest scores for Co-op Energy on Which? rate them as 9th out of a total of 35 energy companies reviewed, scoring well across the board. Bill accuracy was particularly impressive. They scored 73% overall getting five star ratings for bill accuracy and four stars for complaints handling, value for money, bill clarity and customer service. The digital tools rating was three stars. In addition, they answered the phone in just one minute and 23 seconds on average, one of the quickest in the category. The main customer feedback and rating site Trustpilot, score Co-op 4.5 out of five. This comes from more than 3,000 ratings, with more than half of customers rating them excellent. Co-op's partner, Octopus Energy, did even better, coming top in the Which? survey with an overall score of 83%. It gained an impressive five stars in three categories: customer service, complaint handling and bill accuracy. They also scored 4.8 out of five on Trustpilot from more than 36,000 reviews.

What makes Co-op Energy different?

Several factors make them different from other suppliers. Being part of the Co-op brand means that customers get a say in the decision making process. Although the exact way this works has changed since joining with Octopus, almost all Co-op customer decisions and viewpoints have been included. Chief amongst them is a commitment to sustainable energy, with all electricity coming from 100% renewable sources. That means no power comes from fossil fuels such as coal or oil. Instead it all comes wind, solar, biomass and other 100% renewable sources. The gas they supply is also fully carbon offset, helping you to reduce your footprint. Co-op Energy is also committed to community energy. In fact, they offer the UK’s only tariff powered by 100% community generated electricity. This means they are supporting local communities across the UK, and guarantee to pay their generators a fair price.

Who owns Co-op Energy?

As a co-operative, Co-op Energy is owned by its customers. It is the only co-operative in the energy market. As such, all its members have a say in how the company is run. However, things have changed slightly since the company merged with Octopus Energy in 2019.

Co-op Energy customer reviews

The main customer feedback and rating site Trustpilot, gives Co-op Energy a very respectable score of 4.5 out of five. There are currently more than 3,000 ratings and more than half of customers rate them excellent. They also score well in the Which? Energy survey, which scored them 73% overall, placing them in the top 10 of UK energy companies.

What are the Co-op Energy tariffs?

Below you can find the cost information associated with these tariffs.

Coop Warehouse Variable Rate Tariffs

Coop has one variable tariff available. Variable tariffs fluctuate along market movements but allow customers flexibility in changing.

The costs associated with this tariff can be seen here:

Coop Fixed Rate Tariffs

Coop has 2 fixed rate tariff plans, a green plan and a normal plan.

The pricing on these tariffs can be seen here:

Coop Economy 7 Tariffs

Coop also has Economy 7 plans for people with an Economy 7 Meter.

As mentioned previously, these tariffs have two separate unit rates, one for peak hours of consumption and another for off-peak.

Pricing on these tariffs can be seen here:

Co-op Energy fuel mix

Like all suppliers, Co-op Energy is legally required to release information about its fuel mix. As their energy is supplied to customers through Octopus, we will look at their fuel mix compared to the national average.

How to contact Co-op Energy

If you want to contact Co-op Energy then there is someone to answer your questions seven days a week via email at coop@octopus.energy. There is currently no chat function on the website. You can also call the freephone number 0808 164 1088. It is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm on Friday, closed on weekends. Co-op Energy answers the phone in under two minutes on average.

Does Co-op Energy use smart meters?

Co-op Energy offers smart meters, including on prepayment accounts. However, if you switch from another energy company, you may find your smart meter loses some of its functionality. You might have to give meter readings manually. If your smart meter was installed by Co-op Energy before the merger with Octopus Energy, it will continue to work as intended.

How many customers does Co-op Energy have?

Co-op Energy has about 300,000 customers, all of whom now have their energy supplied by Octopus Energy.

Who supplies Co-op Energy with its power?

Co-op Energy and Octopus Energy get 100% of their supply from renewable sources, such as wind, solar and biomass. The gas they supply is fully carbon offset. They also offer the UK’s only tariff powered by 100% community generated electricity.

Do Co-op Energy do business energy tariffs?

Co-Op Energy does not currently offer any business tariffs.

Is Co-op Energy cheap?

Co-op Energy’s fixed rate tariff offers energy comparable in price to the other major providers in the UK. However, their community tariff is slightly more expensive as the energy comes from local sources and they are committed to paying their suppliers fairly. This means some of the costs are transferred to customers who choose this tariff, at around £82 a month. Customers on the fixed rate and flexible tariffs will be paying slightly less per month, at around £79 to £80 for the average UK home.

Co-op Energy how to pay?

Co-op Energy prefers direct debit payments, although they currently offer no discount for this way of paying. Direct debit payments will be taken monthly. You can also pay in the following ways:

1. Bank transfer
2. Cheque
3. Credit card
4. Debit card
5. Paypoint retailers

Prepayment tariffs are also available.

How to switch to Co-op energy

If you want to switch to Co-op Energy, then simply get in touch with them and have your personal details and current supplier details ready. Once you have given them permission to make the switch there will be a 14-day cooling off period when you can change your mind. Once this expires the switch in suppliers is usually carried out within a week. You don’t need to cancel your current contract as they will take care of this for you. Alternatively, you can use a dedicated switching service who will also take care of all the leg work. It really is very easy to switch suppliers.

How to cancel Co-op Energy

If you are with Co-op Energy and wish to switch to another supplier, then you simply need to contact your new preferred provider. They will take care of cancelling your contract with them. However, if you simply want to cancel your contract due to a move or for other reasons, then simply contact Co-op in one of the ways detailed below.

How do I contact Co-op Energy?

There are a number of ways to contact them:

Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, Friday, 9am to 4pm, closed at weekends

How to complain about Co-op Energy?

If you wish to make a complaint you can do so via any of the above contact methods. If you would like to register a complaint with an independent body, then you need to contact the industry regulator Ofgem. You can do that here.

Is it easy to switch to Co-op Energy?

Switching to Co-op Energy is very straightforward. There are no engineer visits, no disruption to your supply and no exit fees at any time.

Our opinion on Co-op Energy

While there are other cheaper providers on the market, they offer 100% renewable and offset energy as well as being the only supplier to offer community generated power. This sets them apart from the competition and makes them a good choice if you are looking to minimize your impact. They have performed well in customer surveys and partnered with one of the best suppliers on the market right now, Octopus Energy.

Read about other energy suppliers:

• Bulb
• British Gas
• Octopus Energy
• E.On
• Avro Energy

Are Octopus Energy any good?

Octopus Energy have won numerous awards and enjoy sterling customer reviews. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the experiences of their loyal customers will necessarily match yours. Join us as we get to know everything there is to know about this promising new(ish) energy supplier and find out of they really do live up to the hype, or if their reputation precedes them.

Who are Octopus Energy?

Octopus Energy are a gas and renewable electricity supplier that is also heavily invested in green energy production. Although the brand was first established in 2015, Octopus Energy bought its first solar farm in 2011. Picking up an average of 30,000 customers a month, they are one of the fastest-growing suppliers on the market. At the time of writing they have approximately 1 and a half million costumers. After acquiring Co-op Energy in August 2019 and ENGIE in January 2020, they have a market share of around 5.7%.

Where is Octopus Energy based?

Octopus Energy’s headquarters is based in Leicester. However, they have a presence in London, as well as presences in Germany and the United States as well.

What makes Octopus Energy different?

Octopus Energy are the definition of a good all-rounder. It offers both green energy, and carbon-offset gas, as well as a flexible range of affordable tariffs and award-winning customer service. They’re also backed by the Energy Switch Guarantee, which ensures a safe and speedy switch for new customers.

Who owns Octopus Energy?

Octopus remains is owned by the Octopus Group. This is a £9bn investor in UK energy and technology.

Octopus Energy customer reviews: What do their customers say?

At Papernest, we look at all the available data to ensure a perfect fit for your household’s needs. Including customer sentiment. As we can see, there’s a lot to recommend Octopus Energy. As the winner of multiple awards, it’s fair to say that we have high expectations. But do the lived experiences of the brand’s customers match what we can reasonably expect? Let’s take a look at what Octopus Energy’s customers are saying about them on their Trustpilot page: At the time of writing, Octopus Energy has 46,558 customer reviews. Of these:

• 42,443 (91%) were "Excellent"
• 2,290 (5%) were "Great"
• 372 (<1%) were "Average"
• 259 (<1%) were "Poor"
• 1,194 (24%) were "Bad"

This gives them an aggregate score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, pushing them into the upper end of "Excellent". Positive customer reviews cite excellent prices (especially when compared to the "Big 6" energy suppliers), and excellent customer service. Many reviewers mention individual members of the customer service team by name. We find that this is usually indicative that a member of staff has really gone the extra mile, and this bodes well here. Customers also praise ease and speed of switching and how readily staff answered their questions. Easy and COVID-safe smart meter installations were also a recurring feature.

Some customers also praise the intuitive design of the brand’s website, and how easy it is to track their usage and spending. One reviewer even states "Octopus Energy’s website and customer service is by far the best experience I have had during the last 30 years". However, like all energy suppliers, Octopus also have their share of negative reviews. One reviewer states that while the company’s rates were attracted that their customer service did not live up to the hype. The same reviewer reported issues with their smart meter and mentions a compliant about the engineer that installed it not wearing a face covering. Other reviews mention billing inaccuracies, with one reviewer commenting that their bill had "tripled since joining". Other common points of contention include long waits to speak to a team member over the phone, and long waits to process refunds. On the whole, however, customer sentiment towards Octopus Energy is extremely positive, with 96% of reviewers considering them either "Great" or "Excellent".

Octopus Energy tariffs

At Papernest, we know that finding the perfect supplier for you is only half the battle. It’s also about finding the perfect tariff. The right tariff can ensure that you get the best value for money for your household’s usage. Even if you choose a great supplier, you can still be left out of pocket if your tariff isn’t carefully matched to your needs. If you think that Octopus could be the supplier for you, we’ll take the time to ensure that you get the perfect energy plan to match your usage. At the time of writing, Octopus have a modest-yet-comprehensive range of tariffs. Let’s take a closer look.

Below you can find the cost information associated with these tariffs.

Octopus Variable Rate Tariffs

Octopus currently has one variable rate tariff.

The costs associated with this tariff can be seen here:

OCT Fixed Rate Tariffs

OCT has several fixed rate tariff plans. We have an overview of them down below.

The pricing on these tariffs can be seen here:

Octopus Economy 7 Tariffs

At Octopus you can also become a client if you have an economy 7 meter. They have several plans for economy 7 customers.

As mentioned previously, these tariffs have two separate unit rates, one for peak hours of consumption and another for off-peak.

Pricing on these tariffs can be seen here:

Do Octopus Energy have smart meters ? What smart meter does Octopus Energy use?

Yes, Octopus Energy supply smart meters to their customers. These allow energy consumers to better track their usage and spending. They also transmit your usage data directly to the supplier. So you need never again worry about inaccurate bills caused by estimates or going through the inconvenience of reading your meter and reporting your usage. Octopus currently supply the second generation of smart meter. These are called Smart Meter Equipment Technical Specifications 2 or SMETS2. These use a DCC network to communicate with the supplier. The advantage of this is that they will continue to communicate with your supplier should you switch energy plans again. The first generation of smart meters (SMETS1) do not do this.

Do Octopus Energy do business energy tariffs?

Yes, Octopus also offer a range of business gas and electricity tariffs. These are bespoke, and rates are arranged with the supplier on an individual basis. However, Octopus does have plans built around the needs of certain industries. These include:

• Electric Juice- For charging companies.
• Electric Juie Network- For companies that have fleets of electric vehicles.
• Panel Power- Designed for solar developers and installers.
• Vertical Power- 100% green energy for vertical farms.

There’s also a "Power for the People" tariff in the works, that will offer green energy that is created, owned and used by Octopus Energy’s customers across the world.

Octopus Energy fuel mix

Octopus Energy use 100% renewable electricity from a combination of wind, solar and hydropower. The percentages of these have not been revealed, but their website states that they are the UK’s biggest investor in solar power.

How green is Octopus Energy

Octopus is a very green supplier as they generate their own green energy as well as buying it. Their Supergreen Octopus plan also combines 100% renewable electricity with carbon-offset gas. However, they do not offer carbon-neutral biomethane gas like Ecotricity or Green Energy UK.

How to contact Octopus Energy ?

If you need to contact Octopus, the customer service team are the best people to get in touch with. They are equipped to handle queries from customers and prospective customers alike. You can contact the customer service team over the phone on 0330 808 1080 or email hello@octopus.energy.

How to complain about Octopus Energy?

If you have a complaint about Octopus Energy, you can submit this to the customer service team on the email address above. You can also send your complaint in the post to: Octopus Energy One Colton Square Leicester LE1 1QH

How to cancel Octopus Energy?

If you decide to switch to a new supplier, you don’t have to cancel your Octopus Energy plan. Just get in touch with the Papernest team and we can find the perfect new tariff. Because Octopus has no early exit fees, you can switch at any time without fear of negative consequences. We’ll even manage your switch for you, so you don’t need to do anything except pay your final bill to Octopus.

Octopus Energy how to pay

The cheapest and easiest way to pay for your energy is to set up a Direct Debit. However, you can also make one-off payments via their website here, or through their new mobile app. Alternatively, contact the customer service team over the phone to make a payment.

How often do Octopus Energy bill?

Octopus Energy bill monthly, and reassess your Direct Debit every 3 months in order to check that your Direct Debit accurately reflects your usage.

How to refer a friend to Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy has a referral scheme that allows you to get £50 credit for a friend if they sign up. You can refer a friend by clicking on this referral link.

How to apply for the Warm Home Discount with Octopus?

The Warm Home Discount is a government initiative that’s administered by energy suppliers. It allows vulnerable energy consumers to gain a flat-rate discount of £140 off the cost of their energy between the colder months of October-March. In order to qualify, you need to either be part of the core group (those in receipt of pension credit) or the broader group (those on income-based benefits).

How to change tariff on Octopus Energy

If you want to switch to a new tariff, the best thing to do is contact the Octopus Energy customer service team either over the phone or via email.

Our opinion on Octopus Energy

We consider Octopus to be a great all-rounder. They offer 100% renewable energy as well as great customer service and value for money. Their range of tariffs is modest and easy to understand, yet there’s something for everyone.

How to switch to Octopus Energy

It couldn’t be simpler to switch to Octopus Energy. Just get in touch with the Papernest team today! We’ll take the time to find the perfect Octopus tariff to suit your needs and usage. So you can rest assured that you’re getting the right deal for your needs. We’ll even manage your switch for you from end-to-end to bring you greener, cheaper energy faster and completely hassle-free. Are you ready to switch to Octopus Energy? Call us today on 0330 818 6225. We’re available from 8am to 6pm.

Below are a few more energy suppliers that might be of interest:

• British Gas
• Scottish Power
• SSE
• Bulb
• Avro Energy
• Marks and Spencer Energy
• ESB Energy

As gas prices go up and down throughout the year, there’s not one gas supplier that can be classed as the cheapest. However, there are some that offer consistently low prices. These include:

• Avro Energy
• Simplicity
• Green
• Shell Energy
• Utility Point
• People’s Energy
• Outfox The Market

Want to know more about the plans that these suppliers offer? Give us a call at the number on the top of the screen and our experts would be more than happy to find the best deals that these suppliers offer.

How do I find the cheapest gas supplier?

If you’re looking for a new energy supplier and want to keep costs to a minimum, use an impartial price comparison tool, like our Switch Plan, to find the cheapest gas suppliers around. Comparing the offers currently available should help you find the most affordable supplier on the market. Switching gas supplier is incredibly easy, so if you find your current energy company doesn’t offer the cheapest deal, you can simply sign up to another provider to enjoy better rates. In fact, spending just a few minutes comparing deals could save you hundreds of pounds in the long run.

What is the average cost of gas per kWh?

When you start comparing offers to find the cheapest gas supplier, you’ll notice that gas prices are advertised in terms of pence per kWh. The lower the price of a kWh, the less your gas consumption will cost. On average, households in the UK pay 4.4p for a kWh of gas. This is known as the unit price of gas. However, prices can go as low as 2.8p/kWh and as high as 5p or 6p per kWh. For your interest, we also have an article on the average gas bill.

Which energy supplier has the cheapest standing charge?

A lot of people assume that, when they pay their gas bill, they’re paying solely for their energy usage. And while this does make up a large percentage of your gas bill, you’ll also have to pay a ‘standing charge’ to your gas supplier. This is a fee that almost all energy suppliers charge customers. It covers the cost of connection to the grid and goes towards transportation costs and maintaining energy infrastructure. The standing charge has to be paid every single day, whether you use any gas or not. As the cost of transporting gas to your home, and maintaining the infrastructure, varies across the country, the amount you pay will depend on where you live as well as on your energy supplier.

Standing charge vs unit price

The cost of a standing charge can vary anywhere from 10p to 60p per day. A lot of the time, you’ll see that tariffs with a high standing charge have a lower unit price and vice versa.

• If your household uses a lot of gas, you may want to opt for a tariff with a high standing charge and a low unit price. High consumptions households are classed as those that consume around 17,000kWh gas per year
• If your household doesn’t use a lot of gas, a tariff with a low standing charge and higher unit price may suit your budget better. Low consumption households are classed as those that use around 8,000 kWh gas per year.

Finding a balance between standing charge and unit price should help you to select the deal that’s right for you and your household.

How to compare gas suppliers?

Comparing gas suppliers should help you to find the cheapest deal on the market. The best way to compare gas suppliers is to use an impartial comparison tool like our Switch Plan. This will allow you to compare the cost of various tariffs and also get expert advice on switching your deal. For your knowledge, we would also like to add that we have an article on comparing electricity prices so that you don't need to look anywhere else for all any energy inquiries you might have.

Value

The first thing you’ll probably want to look at when comparing gas suppliers is value. Getting good value for money will allow you to keep your energy payments to a minimum and stay on top of your finances. However, it’s important to remember that the best value deal won’t always be the cheapest. Finding a company that has low prices as well as good customer service, good digital tools and other benefits will ensure your energy supply represents the best possible value for money.

Sustainability

If you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint, you may want to select a gas supplier that has a greener approach to energy. More and more providers are offering green or offset gas to their customers. Although green tariffs can be a little more expensive than standard deals, they’re falling rapidly in price and it’s now possible to find deals that are comparable to other cheap gas tariffs. This allows you to do your bit for the environment without changing your habits or paying over the odds. Suppliers offering green or offset gas include:

• Bulb
• Octopus Energy
• Green Energy UK
• Outfox the Market
• Ecotricity
• Ovo Energy

Does cheap gas mean poor customer service?

Although cheap gas prices are important when comparing energy deals. You may also want to consider a company’s customer service before signing on the dotted line. Sometimes, companies that have cheap tariffs try to cut costs by minimising the number of customer service staff they employ or by skimping on training. If you need to complain about your service, dealing with poorly trained staff, or waiting for a long time for your call or email to be answered can be very frustrating. It’s important to note that cheap prices don’t necessarily mean poor customer service. It’s also true that paying a high price for your energy doesn’t guarantee you’ll be well looked after by your provider. Before you switch, take the time to look at the company’s Trustpilot score, or read other online customer reviews, to decide if the energy supplier offers the level of service you’d be happy with.

What are the cheapest gas tariff offers in the UK?

Following you'll find the three cheapest gas tariffs, that are currently available.

The cheapest gas tariffs 2022

The overall cheapest gas tariffs can be seen below.

What are the best offers for green gas?

The three cheapest offers for green gas can be seen below.

What are the best fixed-rate gas tariffs in the UK?

What the best offer is depends on you. What we can help you with is showing you the three cheapest fixed-rate gas tariffs.

What are the best variable-rate gas tariffs in the UK?

These prices are fluctuating. Nevertheless, we show you the most recent prices for variable-rate gas in the table below.

Am I eligible for Warm Home Discount?

The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme that gives eligible households a discount of £140 on their winter energy bill. All big six energy companies are part of the scheme, as well as a growing number of smaller energy suppliers. If you’re eligible for the Warm Home Discount, it’s a good idea to select a supplier that’s part of the scheme as it can save you a significant amount on your home energy bills. The core group of households eligible for the Warm Home Discount is made up of pensioners who receive the Guarantee Credit part of the Pension Credit. The Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income if it's below:

• £173.75 for single people
• £265.20 for couples

This means that, if your income is less than the Guarantee Credit threshold, you’ll automatically be entitled to the Warm Home Discount. There is also a broader group of people who are eligible for the scheme. This group is mostly made up of people who are on a low income and who receive at least one state benefit. The criteria for the broader group vary between energy companies. If you think you fall into this group, you’ll need to get in touch with your energy supplier to find out if you qualify.

How do gas suppliers set prices?

Each gas supplier sets their own prices. However, these are heavily influenced by the wider energy market and by wholesale gas prices and transportation costs. As a result, gas prices tend not to fluctuate more than a few pence between suppliers. Wholesale costs make up about 46% of your gas bill. Another 25% is made up of networking costs. These are the expenses that companies incur getting the gas to your property, like infrastructure maintenance. The third biggest chunk of your gas bill goes towards paying operational costs. The table below shows a detailed breakdown of the average UK gas bill:

Wholesale gas market price vs retail price

On average, wholesale gas prices make up around half of your energy bill. If you’re on a variable rate tariff, the rate you pay will track the cost of wholesale gas, so if prices rise, your bill will also go up. However, if prices fall, you could see your energy payments hit rock bottom. If you want to avoid the ups and downs of the energy market, sign up for a fixed rate tariff instead. This will give you a set unit price for your gas and could help to make budgeting a little easier. Generally, prices rise and fall according to supply and demand. When there is a lot of gas available, or demand is low, prices fall. When supplies of gas dwindle or demand is high, prices are likely to go up.

Wholesale price evolution and reasons

Over the years, wholesale gas prices have fluctuated as gas reserves have been depleted and new reserves discovered. Geopolitical factors, like wars and trade deals, can also have an impact on wholesale gas costs. The table below shows how the wholesale price of gas fluctuated between 2011 and 2021:

How to reduce my gas bills

Most households in the UK use gas to power their central heating and kitchen hob. As a result, most of us use a fair bit of gas, with the average property consuming between 8,000 and 18,000 kWh of gas per year. If you’re concerned about how much you’re spending on gas, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce your bills. The most effective include:

• Switch supplier to find a cheaper deal
• Sign up to a fixed rate tariff
• Reduce the amount of gas you consume by insulating your property and turning down the thermostat

Of these steps, the easiest is probably switching supplier. Switching is quick and straightforward and could save you up to £300 on your dual fuel bill. If you decide to switch, you won’t notice any disruption to your gas supply, the only difference you’ll see is the company name on your bill. Use our comparison site, Switch Plan, to find the best deal for your home. 0330 818 6225

How do I switch to a cheap gas deal?

Switching to a cheap gas deal is a quick and easy process. Your new supplier will take care of a lot of the paperwork and admin, including notifying your old supplier that you’re leaving. You can switch supplier whether you’re an owner-occupier or tenant. You just have to make sure it’s your name on the energy account before you begin shopping around.

What is a dual fuel tariff and do I need one?

A dual fuel tariff is a tariff that covers both your gas and electricity. you can get a dual fuel tariff when you get both fuels from the same supplier. Often, dual fuel deals are better value than single-fuel tariffs, so if you’re looking to minimise your energy payments, this could be a good option.

Would you like to know more about gas prices? Great! Check out some of our related articles

1. Compare gas prices
3. Cheapest gas supplier
4. Average gas bill

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