Cheapest Energy Suppliers in the UK: As international students, there are several challenges and crucial aspects that play an important role while settling in a foreign land. Electricity and gas is one of those essential services which require budget management in advance. If you are worried bout the energy costs while studying in the UK, this blog is just for you.
In this blog, we are going to discuss some important things required for international students when deciding on an energy supplier in the UK. We will also identify the top cheapest energy supplier in the UK.
This Blog Includes:
Cheapest Energy Suppliers in the UK
According to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the current energy prices are at their all-time high. With these high prices, it is really important to check out some of the cheapest suppliers in the UK. Below are some of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK.
Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy is one of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK. For the students studying in London, it is an ideal choice with average pricing and 100% green electricity. It is a British renewable energy company emerging as one of the best sustainable energy suppliers in the country. It provides both fixed and variable prices that too without any exit costs. It is emerging as the preferable choice for students in student accommodation in United Kingdom due to its simple communication and transparent behaviour.
British Gas
British Gas is one of the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK due to its offering of various kinds of tariffs. It offers fixed tariffs, green tariffs, electric vehicle tariffs, and much more. The best part of the energy supplier is that the unit rates and standing charges will remain fixed throughout the contract period. The energy rate may fluctuate but it is not going to impact the unit rate. You will find this energy supplier in some of the cheapest cities to live in the UK.
Scottish Power
Scottish Power is crowned as the best and cheapest energy supplier in the UK. The company was established in 1990 and is currently owned and operated by a Scottish company Iberdrola promises to provide 100% renewable electricity. It is a preferable choice for students due to its insurance offerings like boiler insurance and maintenance, appliance care plans, and home emergency cover.
Also Read: Check out some of the Museums in the UK that You Shouldn’t Miss!
Comparison of the Best Energy Suppliers in the UK
Before choosing or switching your energy supplier, it is mandatory to compare the services, unit rates, tariff rates, standing charges, and most importantly customer feedback. Here we have done a basic comparison between different energy suppliers in 2023 below.
| Supplier Name | Tariff Name | Unit Rate (p/kWh) | Standing Charge (p/day) |
| British Gas | Energy Plus Boiler Cover Apr 2023 | 10.331 | 52.968 |
| Scottish Power | Super Saver April 2023 Online | 16.570 | 41.92 |
| Utilita | Smart Energy | 18.11 | 0 |
| Octopus Energy | Flexible Octopus | 35 | 44.71 |
| Outfox the Market | FIX’D 21 15.0 | 10.462 | 25 |
Note – The prices may vary depending on factors such as location and usage and this table is not exhaustive and subject to change.
How to Choose the Best Energy Supplier?
When choosing the best and cheapest energy supplier in the UK, there are several things that you must consider before opting for one. Check out some of the main points to consider before choosing any energy supplier.
- Always go for green energy plans available with the suppliers. The cost of green energy is nominal and will impact positively on the environment.
- Always check out the customer service track record. The supplier should be transparent with clear communication.
- Check out the statistics of customer reviews on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities official website.
- Don’t miss to check out the fuel deal and policy. Some of the energy suppliers both gas and electricity, are known as a dual fuel deal and single fuel deal for the suppliers providing single fuel.
- Be mindful that you may have separate energy suppliers for both gas and electricity as per your choice and convenience.
- Also, check out the online services offered by the supplier and compare them based on online account access, digital bills, and a user-friendly mobile application.
Factors to Consider
Purchasing from energy suppliers may seem like a daunting task for many. This is why you must keep certain points in mind whilst purchasing or planning to purchase from energy suppliers. That being said, below are some of the factors that you must consider:
- There are two types of tariffs, Fixed rate tariff(stability in bill) and Variable rate tariff(fluctuates as per market, may lead to higher prices).
- There can be two types of payment options, Direct debit(a cost-effective option, that offers discounts) and prepaid meters(allows you to pay in advance, but may be more expensive).
- Consider appliances with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce overall consumption.
- Being an international student go for short-term or flexible contracts.
- Check out the reviews and reputation of the energy supplier.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Energy Supplier
Below are quick tips if you are searching for the best and cheapest energy supplier in the UK. The last tip is the most important one to follow. Check it out to learn more.
- Compare the energy tariffs charged by the energy suppliers.
- Check out the cost-effective options based on your consumption pattern.
- Don’t miss the student discounts and deals offered by most of the energy suppliers in the UK.
- Go for the customised plans specifically designed for the students.
- Adopting energy-saving habits will help you out in saving money.
- Check out the government schemes and grants specially customised for the students.
Also Read: Don’t miss to check out our blog on How to Spend Free Time As an International Student.
FAQs
Some of the best and cheapest energy suppliers in the UK include Outfox The Market, EDF Energy, and Octopus.
The top energy suppliers in the UK are British Gas, EDF Energy, E. ON, Npower, Scottish Power, and SSE.
The average pricing of Octopus is on the lower side. You will end up paying a fair price at the end.
Switching energy suppliers is not going to impact your gas and electricity. What changes is only the billing process which will get diverted to the new supplier.
Getting a fixed deal is the best option to get the cheapest electricity tariff in the UK.
Hope you liked our blog on the Cheapest Energy Supplier in the UK. Embark on your study abroad journey with comfort and convenience. Reach out to Fly Homes now at 1800572118 to secure the finest accommodation abroad.
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