The Big 6 Energy Companies: Everything You Need to Know
We break down each of the big six energy providers, so you can find out which
The Big 6 Energy Companies: Everything You Need to Know
We break down each of the big six energy providers, so you can find out which one is best for you...
Chances are, you get your business energy from one of the UK’s major suppliers. These are collectively known as the Big 6 because, well, they’re the largest, and there are 6 of them. Together, they power 87% of the UK’s homes and countless businesses.
Deciding which one is best for you and your unique needs can be overwhelming, especially when considering the range of tariffs, services, and renewable energy solutions they offer. But don’t worry—in this guide, we’ll break down each provider and weigh up their pros and cons so you can find out which one is best for you!
Who Are the Big 6 Energy Companies?
After the privatisation of gas and electricity supplies in the 1980s, the traditional Big 6 energy companies in the UK were born. These were:
- British Gas
- EDF Energy
- E.ON
- Npower
- ScottishPower
- SSE
However, this hierarchy has recently been restructured. This was brought on by the energy crisis the UK has faced over the past few years, which caused the collapse and acquisition of independent companies.
In 2021, for example, Npower sold its client base to E.ON (Now re-branded as E.ON Next). Meanwhile, new players like Octopus have burst onto the scene, providing much-needed competition for the big boys. As of March 2024, the new look Big 6 consists of:
- British Gas
- Octopus Energy
- E.ON Next
- OVO
- EDF Energy
- ScottishPower
Shell Energy was briefly part of this group, making it a “Big 7”, but towards the end of 2023, Octopus took over their customers, and we returned to the traditional 6.
We can’t overstate how huge these companies are when it comes to the UK energy market. Collectively, they have an 87.6% market share of electricity supply and 87.1% of gas to homes while powering millions of businesses.
Are There Other Companies Outside of the Big 6?
Absolutely, there are! Below are just a few smaller independent suppliers you can also go with:
- 100Green
- Co-operative Energy*
- Ecotricity
- Good Energy
- Outfox the Market
- Rebel Energy
- Sainsbury’s Energy
- So Energy
- Utility Warehouse
- Utilita Energy
*Octopus Energy owns Co-operative Energy but operates as a separate company.
How do They Compare to Each Other?
The Big 6 energy companies vary in size and market share. However, they all offer a range of gas and electricity tariffs to their customers as well as other services such as boiler covers and smart meters.
British Gas remains the largest energy supplier in the UK. While the big surprise may be the relatively newly established Octopus, as the second largest. Here’s a quick table breaking down their market share:
| Supplier | Electricity Market Share | Gas Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| British Gas | 20.4% | 28% |
| Octopus Energy | 17.4% | 17.2% |
| E.ON Next | 16.9% | 14.2% |
| OVO | 13.1% | 11% |
| EDF Energy | 11.1% | 9.2% |
| ScottishPower | 8.7% | 7.5% |
Which is the Best Energy Supplier for Your Business?
Reviews of the Big 6 energy companies on Trustpilot (one of the UK’s most popular review sites) often praise their customer service, competitive prices, and range of products and services. Their size in the industry means they can provide many different services that small competitors cannot, making them an attractive choice for many businesses.
British Gas
Trustpilot Score: 4.2/5 Electricity Market Share: 20.4% Gas Market Share: 28%
- Pros
- Zero carbon electricity as standard.
- Range of tarrifs.
- Cons
- Customer service a problem for some customers.
British Gas has been around for over 200 years, providing energy to the UK. With over 7.5 million customers (350,000+ being businesses) on their books, it’s the biggest of all UK energy suppliers. This is largely due to its acquisition of Shell, M&S Energy, and Avro customers over the years.
With Energy360DataView, customers can see, track and manage their energy usage, saving both energy and money. This, coupled with its commitment to having zero-carbon electricity as standard, makes it worthy of consideration for any businesses wanting to future-proof themselves.
Octopus Energy
Trustpilot Score: 4.8/5 Electricity Market Share: 17.4% Gas Market Share: 17.2%
- Pros
- Green commitment.
- Exceptional customer service.
- Cons
- Not the best at meeting its smart meter installation targets.
For such a young business to have that size of market share, it must mean they’re doing something right. They’re known for their commitment to 100% renewable energy, fair pricing, and great customer service.
It uses an innovative technology called Kraken, which combines all customer service, asset management, and operational tasks into one easy-to-use system. This makes for great customer service. Further to this, it’s committed to furthering the advancement of green technology, and this allows your business to reduce its carbon footprint with its 100% renewable energy.
E.ON Next
Trustpilot Score: 4.4/5 Electricity Market Share: 16.9% Gas Market Share: 14.2%
- Pros
- Strong focus on business tariffs.
- Multi-site supply.
- Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria.
E.ON Next, a subsidiary of the old E.ON is the third largest energy supplier in the UK. Like Octopus, its energy comes from 100% renewable sources. Today, it has 5.6 million customers in the UK after taking over nPower’s client base in 2019.
Like other providers on this list, it’s committed to making 100% of its energy come from renewable sources. As well as this, it has a strong focus on business; aiming tariffs at all business sizes, from SMEs to large and corporate solutions.
Ovo Energy
Trustpilot Score: 4.5/5 Electricity Market Share: 13.1% Gas Market Share: 11%
- Pros
- Big focus on green energy.
- Quality customer service.
- Cons
- History of financial instability.
Another (relatively) new player, with Ovo Energy forming in 2009. After acquiring SSE’s customers in 2020, they took on an extra 3.5 million, now serving 5 million across the country. Like many others, a commitment to green energy is at the forefront of their business model.
Just like the other companies explored here, Ovo is big on providing green energy. But it goes even further than many providers on this list. Each year, it aims to plant one million trees as part of their green ethos, making it one of the most green providers you could choose.
EDF Energy
Trustpilot Score: 4.6/5 Electricity Market Share: 11.1% Gas Market Share: 9.2%
- Pros
- Leader in green energy.
- Easy account management.
- Cons
- Strict credit requirements.
One of the original Big 6, EDF, is still going strong. It is Britain’s largest producer of zero-carbon electricity, using wind, nuclear and solar energy to power 5 million homes and businesses across the country.
It uses solar, wind, and nuclear power to be Britain’s largest producer of zero-carbon electricity and its tailored solutions for every business from an SME to a large enterprise means it can adapt to the needs of your business easily. Its simple-to-use online platform and app also make access and management all of your account information from anywhere.
ScottishPower
Trustpilot Score: 4.3/5 Electricity Market Share: 8.7% Gas Market Share: 7.5%
- Pros
- Smart meter installations are offered as part of the service.
- Uses its wind farms to generate 100% renewable electricity.
- Cons
- Some customers have claimed that ScottishPower is poor value for money.
ScottishPower provides 100% renewable electricity to over 5 million locations across the country. However, the main difference between these and other green suppliers is that it does this with its own wind farms, which makes the green energy it produces cheaper. However, some customers have highlighted that they find ScottishPower to be poor value for money.
More positively, smart meter installations are offered as part of the service, so managing your energy use is made easier.
What do Businesses Need to Know?
You should know the different energy products and services available, such as smart thermostats and battery storage systems, which can impact their energy use and payment.
It’s also recommended that you switch energy providers regularly. This can often mean looking for tariffs that offer renewable energy, as this is generally much cheaper and is a good way for your business to reduce its carbon footprint and maybe even get some tax benefits.
Switch Your Business Energy Provider Today
If you want to find out if you could save money on your business’s energy bills, all you have to do is answer a few simple questions about your business and, using this information; we can show you the tariffs that are best suited to you.
Our service is 100% free and non-committal, so to get started, just tap the button on the left of this page now!
What do Businesses Need to Know?
You should know the different energy products and services available, such as smart thermostats and battery storage systems, which can impact their energy use and payment.
It’s also recommended that you switch energy providers regularly. This can often mean looking for tariffs that offer renewable energy, as this is generally much cheaper and is a good way for your business to reduce its carbon footprint and maybe even get some tax benefits.
Switch Your Business Energy Provider Today
If you want to find out if you could save money on your business’s energy bills, all you have to do is answer a few simple questions about your business and, using this information; we can show you the tariffs that are best suited to you.
Our service is 100% free and non-committal, so to get started, just tap the button on the left of this page now!
What do Businesses Need to Know?
You should know the different energy products and services available, such as smart thermostats and battery storage systems, which can impact their energy use and payment.
It’s also recommended that you switch energy providers regularly. This can often mean looking for tariffs that offer renewable energy, as this is generally much cheaper and is a good way for your business to reduce its carbon footprint and maybe even get some tax benefits.
Switch Your Business Energy Provider Today
If you want to find out if you could save money on your business’s energy bills, all you have to do is answer a few simple questions about your business and, using this information; we can show you the tariffs that are best suited to you.
Our service is 100% free and non-committal, so to get started, just tap the button on the left of this page now!
FAQs
Who are the Big Six?
The Big Six energy companies play a vital role in the UK energy market. They are responsible for generating and supplying energy to nearly 90% of UK homes and millions of businesses. They also invest in new energy infrastructure and technologies, like green alternatives to fossil fuels.
Should I switch energy suppliers for businesses?
Switching energy suppliers for businesses could have a number of benefits. Switching could, for example, mean you spend less each month on your bills, get access to better customer service, or benefit from green sources of fuel.
Switching energy providers is easy and takes only a few minutes. To see the kinds of deals you could get, complete our simple form by clicking the button on the left.
What are the benefits of using smart meters for business energy?
Smart meters provide real-time energy usage data, helping businesses monitor and reduce consumption. They improve billing accuracy, eliminate estimated charges, and can identify patterns to optimise energy efficiency, ultimately saving costs and supporting sustainability goals.
