| Money Saving
Who Are The Big Six Energy Suppliers?
Although there is a vast range of energy suppliers within the UK (from independent providers to larger enterprises), there are six main suppliers that dominate the energy industry. These suppliers are known as the Big Six.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the Big Six energy suppliers. We’ll also and provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision about your home or business energy.
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Who are the Big Six energy suppliers?
The Big Six energy suppliers are the largest gas and electricity providers in the UK. Together, they provide approximately 95% of the country’s energy. These suppliers not only offer energy to households, but they also supply to businesses of all sizes.
The Big Six energy suppliers include:
Supplying energy to approximately 12 million homes in the UK, British Gas is the country’s biggest energy supplier. This energy company was founded in 1997 and is owned by the Centrica Group. British Gas is recognised as the greenest energy supplier out of the Big Six; it operates as Scottish Gas in Scotland.
Based in Germany, Eon supplies gas and electricity to over 30 counties. It currently has around 3.8 million customers in the UK. Originally established in 2000, this supplier was formerly known as Powergen and was born from the union of two of Germany’s largest industrial groups, VEBA and VIAG.
One of the UK’s largest renewable energy suppliers, this provider supplies energy to over 5.5 million customers. Based in France, EDF Energy was formed in 2002 and continues to evolve with over eight nuclear power stations across the UK. The brand invests heavily in low-carbon energy and they are Britain’s largest generator of zero carbon electricity.
Formerly known as Innogy and RWE Npower, this company was established as Npower Ltd in 2016. With over 3.6 million domestic and business customers, this supplier is owned by the colossal German organisation, RWE. Recognised as the smallest member of the Big Six, Npower was acquired by EON in January 2019.
Part of the multinational Spanish group Iberdrola, Scottish Power supplies energy to over 5 million households and businesses in the UK. Founded in 1990, this supplier is now the first integrated energy company to generate 100% green electricity. Scottish Power invests heavily in renewable energy, they run a range of wind farms across Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.
Scottish and Southern Energy PLC (SSE) was founded in 1990 and is the second largest of the Big Six energy suppliers. Based in Perth, Scotland, this supplier has around 3.6 million customers. It is the second largest supplier of renewable energy. In 2020, SSE sold its domestic energy services to OVO Energy.
Why are some people reluctant to switch energy suppliers?
Some people are hesitant to switch to a supplier outside of the Big Six. However, there are a range of smaller, independent suppliers that could offer you cheaper rates for your home or business energy. If you have reservations about switching to a smaller energy provider, we recommend taking a look at some of their online customer reviews.
Furthermore, many are concerned that they may get left in the lurch if their small energy supplier collapses. However, energy service regulator Ofgem, has measures in place to ensure you are protected if your energy supplier goes out of business. You’ll still receive your gas and electricity supply, it will just come from another provider.
People are also reluctant to switch suppliers due to the misconception that the process is timely and complicated. Some people fear that they will have to get new pipes or cables laid in order to switch suppliers. However, these perceptions are untrue. Switching suppliers can be a quick and simple task, especially when you get help from an energy switching service like Love Energy Savings.
Should I switch energy suppliers?
If you haven’t switched energy suppliers for a while, you could be overpaying for your gas and electricity. Switching suppliers could provide you with cheaper rates and lower energy bills, thus helping you save.
There are plenty of energy deals available on the market, so you should be able to find a cheaper deal for your home or business in no time.
How do I switch energy suppliers?
The best way to switch energy suppliers is to use an energy comparison site like Love Energy Savings. Our experts will scour the energy market in search of a suitable deal for your needs. We’ll compare a range of energy deals and provide you with the best options for your home or business.
All you have to do is provide us with your postcode, contact details and some brief information about your energy needs. Then within a matter of minutes, we’ll provide you with a free quote.
Once you’ve selected a tariff from our list of options, we’ll manage your energy switch and ensure that everything goes ahead smoothly. The overall switching process for domestic customers typically takes around 21 days.
Try our free online comparison tool today to begin your energy supplier switch. Alternatively, take a look at the rest of our energy guides for more advice on energy saving.