Compare Big Six Energy Tariffs
Get a comparison & start saving now!
Save an average of 40%
Compare green business electricity & gas suppliers in seconds!
How to find and compare big six energy suppliers
If you’re comparing energy prices, you will likely be aware of the UK’s ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers.
Since the privatisation of the energy markets in the 1990s, the ‘Big Six’ have dominated the domestic and commercial sector. At their height, they owned 100% collectively.
However, as an increasing number of independent energy suppliers have entered the domestic market, this grip has slackened.
According to the latest data by Ofgem, the six biggest energy suppliers in the UK have a combined domestic market share of 70%.
Here, we look at the biggest energy suppliers and whether they are the best option for those seeking to switch energy supplier.
Who are the biggest energy suppliers?
The ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers are comprised of:
- British Gas
- EDF Energy
- E.ON Energy
- Npower
- Scottish Power
- SSE
Should I switch to a big six energy supplier
When switching energy supplier, it is worth bearing in mind that no matter who you switch to, your energy will come through your pipes and cables in the same way.
The energy supplier you choose will usually be down to personal preference, cost and customer service.
In the latest Which? Survey of the best rated energy suppliers, none of the big six featured in the top five rated providers.
Are the big six energy suppliers cheaper?
The big six energy companies are not always the cheapest option when it comes to comparing energy prices. However, larger gas and electricity suppliers can sometimes afford to offer more competitive prices.
The quickest way to find out how the biggest energy suppliers stack up on price is by running an energy comparison.
Learn more about the big six energy suppliers
If you’re thinking of switching to one of the big 6 energy suppliers, you can find the latest deals from each supplier with Love Energy Savings.
As most of the big six have spent decades supplying gas and electricity to homes and businesses in the UK, they are seen as a safe option for many customers.
If you do switch to a small or new supplier and they go bust, your energy supply won’t be disrupted. Energy regulator Ofgem will choose a new supplier to take over your old supplier's customers and your energy supply will continue as normal.
Here, we provide information on the biggest energy suppliers:
Big Six Energy Suppliers
-
British Gas
British Gas is the UK’s original gas supplier and is now a subsidiary of Centrica PLC (known as Scottish Gas in Scotland and Nwy Prydain in Wales).
It is currently the largest energy supplier in the country providing 15 million homes with gas and 6 million homes with electricity.
-
EDF Energy
EDF Energy is the UK’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity and supplies around 5.6 million homes in the UK.
It is a subsidiary of the French state-owned energy company Electricite de France and provides gas and electricity to both homes and businesses.
-
E.ON Energy
Previously known as Powergem, E.ON Energy is one of the largest energy providers in the UK supplying around 3.8 million homes.
In 2019, E.ON Energy became the first of the big six energy companies to switch all its UK electricity customers to renewable electricity.
-
Npower
Npower is one of the smallest members of the big six, supplying around 3.6 million homes and businesses with gas and electricity.
As of 2019, the majority of Npower is owned by E.ON, though they remain separate entities.
-
Scottish Power
Scottish Power is part of Iberdrola Group and supplies around 5 million households and businesses in the UK.
In 2020, Scottish Power launched a new range of fixed price tariffs offering 100% green electricity generated at their UK windfarms.
-
SSE
SSE (also known as Scottish and Southern Energy Plc) is the second largest supplier of natural gas and electricity in the UK.
In January 2020, SSE became part of the OVO family which includes energy suppliers Boost, Spark Energy and OVO Energy.
Is there a risk to leaving the biggest energy suppliers?
For many, one of the biggest concerns about switching from a big six company to a small energy supplier is what will happen if a supplier goes bust.
How to switch energy suppliers
Whether you are seeking to move to or from one of the big six providers, the easiest way to find the best energy deals is by comparing with Love Energy Savings.
We have developed strong relationships with the big six and many independent energy suppliers to offer you a wide range of tariff options at the best prices.
To find out how much you could save, simply click the button below to start comparing the latest energy prices.
Biggest Energy Suppliers FAQs
-
Why are there criticisms of the big six energy suppliers?
As the big six suppliers have controlled a large majority of the energy market in the UK, many people questioned the market’s competitiveness.
However, with independent suppliers now increasing their market share, the big six have begun to offer customers more options including green energy tariffs.
-
How do I switch energy supplier?
At Love Energy Savings, we aim to make the process of switching energy suppliers as simple as possible.
All you need to do is enter your postcode into our comparison engine and you can view the latest energy suppliers from our trusted suppliers.
Once you have chosen the right tariff for you, our energy experts will get you set up with your new supplier and let your current supplier know about the switch. All you have to do is sit back, relax and save.
-
Will my energy supply be interrupted when switching?
Your energy supply won’t be interrupted when switching energy supplier.
Your gas and electricity is all supplied through the same pipes and cables so you won’t notice a difference on the day you switch supplier. Your new tariff will be set to start as soon as your old tariff comes to an end.
-
What is the Energy Switch Guarantee?
The Energy Switch Guarantee is a commitment from energy suppliers to ensure you can switch from one supplier to another quickly and safely.
It guarantees:
- A reliable switch in just 21 days
- You can continue to use your current supplier right up to the point you switch
- If you change your mind within 14 days, you can remain with your existing supplier
- Any credit from your old energy account will be refunded with 14 days of your final bill.