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Qualify To Reduce Your Business Energy Costs By 40%?

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The Big 6 Energy Companies: Everything You Need to Know 

You've heard of them, but what could they do for your business?

What Are the Big Six Energy Companies?

The Big Six energy companies are the six largest energy suppliers in the UK but, what you may not know, is that the Big Six has actually changed in recent years. Such changes were primarily brought on by the energy crisis the UK has faced in the last few years. In 2019, the big six were:

 

  • British Gas
  • EDF Energy
  • E.ON
  • ScottishPower
  • SSE
  • RWE npower

 

Following the crisis, and the collapse of many independent providers, the 'Big Six' currently consists of seven companies, they are:

 

  • British Gas
  • EDF Energy
  • E.ON Next
  • Octopus Energy
  • OVO Energy
  • ScottishPower
  • Shell Energy

 

Shell Energy will soon be leaving the list, following its decision to sell its UK domestic energy business. After its departure, there will be a recognisable 'Big Six' again. Shell Energy will continue to supply businesses like yours, they just won't be as big a name as they are now. 

 

The Big Six energy companies play a vital role in the UK energy market and are responsible for generating and supplying energy to 90% of UK homes, along with millions of businesses. They also invest in new energy infrastructure and technologies, like green alternatives to fossil fuels. 

How do they Compare to Each Other?

The Big Six energy companies vary in terms of size and market share. They all, however, 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 is the largest energy supplier in the UK, while EDF Energy is the second largest, and is a major generator of low-carbon electricity, including nuclear power.

 

Octopus Energy, the fourth largest supplier in the UK, is known for its competitive prices and its focus on renewable energy. ScottishPower is the sixth largest energy supplier in the UK and is a major generator of hydropower and wind power. 

Which is the Best for Your Business?

Reviews of the Big Six 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 are able to provide many different services that small competitors cannot, making them an attractive choice for many businesses. 

CompanyTrustpilot RatingNumber of Reviews
British Gas3.9 stars165,000
EDF Energy4.2 stars66,000
E.ON Next3.8 stars49,000
Octopus Energy4.8 stars192,000
OVO Energy4.2 stars121,,000
ScottishPower4.0 stars56,000
Shell Energy (for business)4.7 stars95

When choosing an energy supplier, it's always wise to compare Trustpilot ratings as they allow you to get a better idea of what other customers have experienced. Other things, such as price, product range, and customer service, should also be high on your list of things to check out. 

What do Businesses Need to Know?

Business owners should be aware of the different energy products and services that are available, such as smart thermostats and battery storage systems, which can have an impact on how much you use and pay. 

 

In addition, you should also switch energy suppliers regularly to get the best deal. 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 some basic 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 to the left to get started. 

Qualify To Reduce Your Business Energy Costs By 40%?

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FAQs

Your Questions Answered

The Big Six energy companies play a vital role in the UK energy market and are responsible for generating and supplying energy to 90% of UK homes, along with millions of businesses. They also invest in new energy infrastructure and technologies, like green alternatives to fossil fuels. 

There could be a number of benefits to switching your energy suppliers for businesses. Switching could, for example, mean you spend less each month on your bills, get access to better customer service, or get to benefit from green sources of fuel. 

 

Switching energy providers is easy, and can be done in only a few minutes. If you want to see the kinds of deals you could get, then complete our simple form by clicking below. 

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Octopus Energy Review

What is Octopus Energy?Octopus Energy is one of the biggest energy providers in the UK and is now regarded as one of the 'Big Six'. In recent years it acquired all of the customers from Bulb, which went bust during the energy crisis, which made it into the big player it now is.  Known widely as one of the cheapest places to get energy, its big status has meant it has been able to invest heavily in green energy, adding to its appeal to many customers. What does Octopus Energy Offer?One of the main selling points of Octopus Energy is its commitment to green energy and, in recent years it has been able to make a name for itself as one of the leading green energy suppliers in the UK. A 'green' energy supplier is a supplier that provides energy without adding to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. There are numerous ways of doing this, and Octopus opt for doing it in the easiest and cheapest way possible.  It supplies customers with fossil fuels but then offsets this by buying the equivalent amount of power from renewable sources so, while the actual fuel they supply may come from fossil fuels, its use doesn't add to emissions. This makes it effectively net zero. This method is the cheapest way of supplying green energy, and the saving is passed onto the customer.  They do this with their gas supplies but, when it comes to electricity, they only use 100% renewable sources. Is Octopus Energy Good for Small Businesses?Octopus Energy is likely a good choice for your business, as its focus on customer service and care means it works hard to make life as easy as possible. By offering things like 12-month fixed tariffs to give you more certainty, options to alter your time of use to save money, and being available over the phone or email, it ensures it's there to meet your business's needs. Its most eye-catching advantages are its constant monitoring of wholesale prices, which allows it to reduce your business's bill as soon as possible and the offer to businesses struggling with bills to explore reducing or pausing them.  With clean energy, fair pricing, and good quality customer care, Octopus Energy could be a good bet for your small business.