If you are planning to move abroad, then you are already aware of the basic costs, but there are some hidden costs that students tend to forget to look into. To get the cheapest gas and electric supplier in the UK is one of those crucial services which require financial planning. If you are sceptical about managing your energy expenses then you are at the right place. Amber is here with this blog just for you. You need to start comparing prices and checking services to acquire the cheapest energy supplier in the UK can be quite a hassle. But it's a really simple process from there after you've decided the energy you want to use and from which provider. The main sources of energy usage for you are your gas, electricity, and broadband bills. These bills vary from locality to locality, so before shifting to a new accommodation, you need to check if the gas and electricity bills are included in the rent or not, then gather enough information about all the energy supplies and suppliers to get the cheapest energy providers in the UK.
The monopoly corporations that operate the gas and electricity networks are subject to regulation by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). Along with serving the best interests of consumers, it makes judgments about price limits and enforcement and supports industry efforts to improve the environment. Hence, it tries to balance out the cheapest gas and electric suppliers in the UK. Ofgem has increased its prices yet again, and it is said to be the highest one yet. The energy price cap is set at £1,928 per year for a typical home using gas and Electricity and paying by Direct Debit between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2024. Your actual household consumption, your residence, the metre, and the method of payment will all affect how much you pay.
Why Switch Gas and Energy Supplies
Consumers who want to switch might do so to a new supplier for better customer service or to a new tariff that offers greater value for the money. Hence, they want the cheapest energy supplier in the UK. It's simple to switch energy suppliers or tariffs; you can do it over the phone or online. It may be to get the cheapest energy supplier in the UK or to get enhanced customer services. Here is a list of why you should switch gas and energy suppliers today. You can thank us later.
1. Green energy option: If you are concerned about the environment, then there are a couple of suppliers that can help you reduce your digital footprint to help you save the environment more effectively. By switching, you can select a supplier that provides possibilities for green or renewable energy. It also makes the suppliers one of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK.
2. Discounts and Incentives: Certain vendors provide rebates, discounts, or other incentives in an effort to draw in new clients. By switching, you can take advantage of these discounts and possibly get greater offers than what your present supplier is offering. It helps in getting the cheapest energy supplier in the UK.
3. Cost Savings: Saving money is one of the main motivations for switching energy suppliers. You might potentially reduce your energy bills by routinely evaluating rates and switching to the most economical alternative. Different suppliers offer different tariffs. Hence, you just need to go to the cheapest energy supplier in the UK.
4. Better Customer Service: If you're not happy with your present supplier's customer service or your entire experience, you have the option to switch to a business that has a better reputation for providing customer support.
How to Choose the Best Energy Suppliers
Here are some of the main reasons why you should consider choosing the best energy suppliers in the UK apart from being the cheapest energy supplier in the UK.
Green Energy
By the end of December, about 6% of the UK's total energy consumption, or 41.4% of the power produced, came from renewable sources. In recent years, the EU's and UK's interest in carbon emission reduction targets has increased with government incentives for renewable Electricity such as the Renewable Obligation Certificate scheme (ROCs) and feed-in tariffs (FITs).
Online services
Before making the move, it's crucial to investigate the online services provided by your prospective energy provider. Digital bills, an easy-to-use smartphone app, and online account access are all useful resources for controlling your energy use. It's a good idea to read online reviews of a specific energy supplier's mobile app on stores like the Apple and Android app stores if you're considering downloading it. This might help you make an informed choice by providing you with a clearer understanding of the functionality and user experience of the app.
Customer Service
When choosing a new energy provider, it's a good idea to conduct due diligence, which includes looking into their track record for providing excellent customer service. If something goes wrong, you want to be sure you'll get the assistance you require.Fortunately, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) website makes it simple to assess how well an energy business provides customer service. These details are included in their Customer Care Team Annual Report. Making an informed choice while selecting a new energy supplier might be aided by this information.
Single/ Dual Fuel
In the UK, the term "single or dual fuel" usually refers to using the same energy provider for both your gas and Electricity or choosing different providers for each as it leads to the cheapest gas and Electricity in the UK. Here's a quick rundown:
Single Fuel: If you choose this option, you get your Electricity and gas from the same energy provider. With just one Provider to handle, invoicing and account management may become more straightforward as a result. Additionally, it might make managing your energy consumption and pricing comparisons simpler.
Dual Fuel: This refers to using separate sources for your Electricity and gas. This is frequently accomplished by selecting the greatest electricity offer from one supplier and the best gas deal from another. Sometimes, dual fuel agreements come with discounts or other special offers, and some individuals like having the freedom to select the best offer for each energy source. Hence, it leads to getting the cheapest energy supplier in the UK.
A few things to think about when choosing between single and dual fuel include cost, convenience, and any extra perks that suppliers may provide.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Energy Supplier
If you're looking for the cheapest energy supplier in the UK, check out these tips. The most crucial piece of advice to heed is the final one.
1. To get the cheapest energy supplier in the UK, one must compare the energy providers' rates that they charge.
2. Examine the options that will save you money depending on how much you use for the cheapest energy provider in the UK.
3. Take advantage of the numerous student discounts and offers provided by UK energy suppliers to get the cheapest gas and electric supplier in the UK.
4. Select the personalised plans created only for the people.
5. Making the switch to energy-efficient behaviours will enable you to save money.
6. You can also opt for single or dual fuel as it leads to the cheapest energy supplier in the UK
7. Examine the government's programs and awards that are tailored specifically for students.
Comparison of the Best Energy Suppliers in the UK
The top 5 energy providers in terms of customer satisfaction during the three months of January to March 2023 were Octopus Energy, Shell Energy, Outfox the Market, Affect Energy, and Co-Operative Energy, according to data. In the present energy-challenged market, overall scores have decreased; Octopus Energy, the top-rated company, had an overall score of 3.65 stars out of 5. They are also the cheapest energy supplier in the UK. They received five stars for client promises and ease of switching, which ( is the UK’s consumer champion. As an
organisation they are not for profit and all for protecting consumers) made them truly stand out. Choosing the best energy provider for your house is essential for your financial situation as well as your comfort. We've done the work for you by analysing the most recent statistics to determine the top choices for 2024, which are also the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK.
In October 2022, 'Which' conducted a detailed survey in which over 10,000 customers shared their experiences with different energy suppliers.
Cheapest Energy Suppliers in the UK
1. Octopus Energy
One of the cheapest energy providers in the UK is Octopus Energy. With reasonable cost and 100% green electricity, it's a great option for London-based students. This British renewable energy provider is quickly becoming one of the nation's top providers of sustainable energy. It offers both variable and fixed prices, and there are no departure fees. Students are beginning to choose it because of its clear behaviour and easy communication. Hence, it is one of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK.
2. Shell Energy
1.7 British homes trust Shell Energy as they provide renewable Electricity, and it also has fast and reliable broadband. It is one of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK. Offering speeds of up to 900Mbs, they have a package that suits everyone. It also has one of the best customer service. Shell energy also provides other benefits to their loyal customers along with some added perks.
3. British Gas
As it offers a variety of pricing options, British Gas is among the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK. It provides green tariffs, tariffs for electric vehicles, fixed tariffs, and a lot more. The unit prices and standing costs of the energy supplier are guaranteed to stay the same for the duration of the contract, which is its strongest feature. The unit rate will not be affected by variations in the energy rate.
4. Utility Warehouse
There is one exception to the general rule that most sellers charge the price cap. Utility Warehouse is one of the cheapest energy providers in the UK. Lower energy costs than the Energy Price Guarantee offered by the government. It is safe to conclude that Utility Warehouse is among the cheapest energy providers in the UK. But, if you join up for another service with them, you can save even more money on your energy bills. Broadband, mobile, and insurance are examples of this. Getting a price and comparing it with your current tariff is worth it, even if you are working with a different supplier. It is the cheapest energy supplier in the UK.
5. Scottish Power
The UK's greatest and cheapest energy provider in the UK is Scottish Power. Iberdrola, which was founded in 1990 and is presently owned and run by a Scottish business, guarantees to supply entirely renewable Electricity. Because of its insurance options, which include home emergency coverage, appliance care plans, and boiler insurance and maintenance, it is a better option for students. Hence, it is one of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK.
6. E.ON
One of the biggest energy providers in the UK, E.ON has invested over £3 billion in the production of green power in the country and supplies over 5 million homes with 100% renewable electricity. It is also one of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK.
E.ON offers exclusive discounts on solar panels, energy-efficient boilers, and EV chargers to help clients enhance their sustainability in addition to providing gas and Electricity to homes in the UK.
7. EDF Energy
EDF Energy is one of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK and tries to make people aware of the most cost-effective way. It tries to push people to switch to renewable resources such as installing solar panels, air source heat pumps and many more. EDF Energy is a significant supplier to the United Kingdom and a division of the French government-owned EDF. They are dedicated to employing renewable technologies and making investments in low-carbon energy.
8. Electricity
Based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, Ecotricity is a British energy firm that specializes in selling green energy to consumers. Ecotricity was a winner in the 2007 Ashden Awards for sustainable energy. Hence, why not try Electricity, one of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK? The awards congratulated Ecotricity for its environmental contribution. By 2019, the company had more than 150,000 customers. It became the first company to provide eco-friendly gas. It is one of the cheapest energy providers in the UK.
Top-scoring energy companies
In both our evaluation of the companies' methods and overall score, Utility Warehouse comes out on top. It is also the cheapest energy supplier in the UK.
Yet, in terms of customer score, it didn't top our table. Feedback from our customer survey placed Octopus Energy, E, and Ecotricity above it. These three, who are all Which, also received high marks on our practices assessment. Suggested Providers for 2024.
Top UK Energy Suppliers and Their Ratings 2024
Choosing the best energy provider for your house, which is also the cheapest energy provider in the UK, is essential for your financial situation as well as your comfort. We've done the legwork for you by analysing the most recent statistics to determine the top choices for 2024. Here is a list of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK that are also the top-ranked suppliers.
How Much Can One Save by Switching Energy Supplies?
A useful strategy for lowering energy expenses is to move to the cheapest energy supplier in the UK. One can save as much as 45% a year by moving to the cheapest energy providers in the UK. However, depending on a number of variables, including energy usage, the duration of the contract, and the kind of energy consumed, the amount of savings that can be realised may fluctuate. When comparing energy suppliers, one should try to discover the best price by giving as much information as possible or exploring the cheapest energy providers in the UK. One could also think about collaborating with a partner to help locate the best deal.
Is Switching Provider A Complex Process?
If you have decided on the cheapest energy supplier in the UK, then don't worry. Changing your energy source is a fairly easy process, similar to changing the energy supplier for your home. It's crucial to keep in mind, though, that the complexity of the transition could vary depending on your particular needs. But don't worry—during the transition, your energy supply won't be impacted. Both your new and old suppliers will handle the changeover; it won't affect your energy supply.
How to Switch
First, make sure you have the following information:
1. Your postcode.
2. The name of your current supplier.
3. The name of your current energy tariff.
4. Your annual energy usage or costs.
A recent energy bill will have your rate, supplier, and annual details. If you do not receive paper bills, log into your account online. You can then confirm your contract and payment method with them once you've decided on the tariff and cheapest energy supplier in the UK to switch to. Generally, using a direct debit to pay saves money. A changeover date will be communicated to you by your new supplier. A switch can be completed in as little as five working days, though you can request a later switch date if you'd like.
Exit Fees, Agreements and Tariffs
1. Exit Charges:
a) If you want to shift to the cheapest energy supplier in the UK, then energy suppliers impose exit fees on customers who choose to transfer to another provider or discontinue their contract before the prearranged expiration date.
b) These charges are intended to offset the expenses incurred during the account closure procedure.
2. Agreements:
a) Energy contracts are written agreements that specify the terms and conditions of the energy service between customers and energy suppliers.
b) The length of contracts might vary; some might be standard or variable contracts with no stated end date, while others might be fixed-term contracts with a specific period (such as one or two years).
c) Certain advantages are frequently associated with fixed-term contracts, such as fixed rates that shield customers from changes in energy costs during the contract time.
3. Tariffs:
a) The price structure or rate that users pay for the energy they use is referred to as an energy tariff.
b) There are various kinds of tariffs, such as variable-rate tariffs (where the unit price might change depending on market conditions) and fixed-rate tariffs (where the unit price stays constant for a set length of time).
c) In addition, standing charges—daily or monthly costs that pay for the cost of supplying Electricity to a property regardless of how much energy is used—may be included in tariffs.
How Often do Energy Prices Change?
As people shift from one supplier to another to get the cheapest energy supplier in the UK due to wholesale costs, market supply and demand, and other factors, energy prices are always fluctuating. You can determine your unit rates for a predetermined amount of time by selecting a fixed-rate tariff. Up until June 2024, the new Energy Price Guarantee would cap expenses for average households at £2,500 annually. A new cap announcement will be made in May, and modifications will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Once you know exactly what you're looking for, finding the cheapest energy supplier in the UK is not that difficult. Since energy costs are on the rise, it is advisable to start with the cheapest electricity supplier in the UK because it will benefit you in the long term.