Small energy providers trounce the ‘big six’ with cheaper tariffs
Smaller energy providers have been prominent at the top of the energy ‘best buy’ tables for some time now, and OVO Energy has taken the top spot once again with its Cheaper Energy Fixed tariff.
However, customers should bear in mind that finding the best tariff isn’t simply a case of going for those offered by table-topping suppliers. How much energy you use, where you live, and other factors all determine what energy deal is best for you, so customers should take a little time to compare tariffs carefully to find those that match up with their specific details. Reputable comparison websites make this task quick and easy.
Top 15 current cheapest tariffs*
Provider – Tariff - Annual cost
OVO Energy Cheaper Energy Fixed £998
First Utility iSave Fixed v18 May 2015 £1,013
Extra Energy Fixed Price September 2015 v2 £1,014
OVO Energy Greener Energy Fixed (online) £1,054
OVO Energy Better Energy Fixed £1,058
EDF Energy Blue+ Price Promise July 2015 £1,070
Scottish Power Online Fixed Price Energy July 2015 £1,076
Green Star Energy No Worries 12 Months Fixed v1403 Paperless £1,076
British Gas Fixed Price May 2015 £1,076
OVO Energy Cheaper Energy (Fixed to June 2016) £1,091
First Utility Power Play Fixed May 2016 £1,095
OVO Energy Greener Energy Fixed £1,114
SSE 1 Year Fixed Price £1,115
M&S Energy Fixed Price May 2015 £1,130
Cooperative Energy Fixed to May 2015 £1,133
*Dual fuel, payment by monthly direct debit, averaged across all UK regions and based on an annual energy usage of 13,500kWh gas and 3,200kWh electricity (medium user).
Jeremy Cryer, energy spokesperson at Gocompare.com said: “Consumers are becoming increasingly aware that small suppliers work to the same rules as the big providers, and are often competitive on price and customer service. It’s also worth noting that below a threshold of 250,000 customers, suppliers are not obligated to meet certain licence conditions such as the paying of green levies and this can help them to offer more competitive tariffs.
“However, whilst some smaller providers are competitive across the board, offering good deals for many customers, others will target specific customer types. There’s no single tariff from any supplier, large or small, that is best for everyone, so it’s important that people compare tariffs from as many providers as possible to find the one that is best for them.
“In terms of service, smaller providers often fare better than their big six counterparts in customer satisfaction surveys, but of course everyone’s experiences are different. There’s no need to fear moving to a smaller provider and there’s no risk of your energy being cut off simply by switching. Your gas and electricity will continue to flow through the same pipes and wires, so if you can save money by taking your business elsewhere, you should.”