Compare energy suppliers - the big five energy suppliers and more

There are currently around 22 energy suppliers that provide gas and electricity to homes across the UK.

According to figures from Ofgem, the energy regulator, the number of suppliers peaked between March and June 2018, when there were more than 70 energy companies supplying domestic power.

Since then, we've seen a number of energy companies go bust due to a range of factors including the energy price cap and rising wholesale energy prices.

There's no price cap on business energy. Compare deals to find cheaper prices than your supplier's out of contract rates.

Even so, there is still a wide variety of energy companies to choose from, each with their own unique selling points, tariffs and price ranges.

Let's take a look at the UK's main energy suppliers to help you change energy supplier and save on your annual energy bills - remember, the cheapest energy supplier may not necessarily be the best energy supplier for you, so always weigh up the pros and cons of each energy company before making the switch.

Who were the Big Six energy suppliers?

Britain's largest energy suppliers were known collectively as the 'Big Six', and between them they supplied gas and electricity to over 50 million homes and businesses across the UK.

The Big Six were also the UK's longest running private energy suppliers, having all formed during the 1990s following the passing of the 1989 Electricity Act, which paved the way for the privatisation of the energy sector.

A growing number of smaller independent suppliers entered the UK market since 1997, with the aim of providing real competition for the major providers and creating a fairer market for consumers in the process. But many of these have gone bust over the last few years.

Is there still a Big Six?

In short, no. As of 2021 Npower has left the domestic market after coming to an agreement with E.ON to shift its customer base to them. This then created the new sub-brand called E.ON Next. As a result only ScottishPower, SSE, E.ON Next, EDF Energy and British Gas remain as the five biggest suppliers in the country.

The Big Five Energy Suppliers

British Gas | Compare Gas & Electric Prices British Gas | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Leading Big Six energy supplier in the UK.
  • British Gas is owned by parent company Centrica.
  • British Gas supply 15 million homes in the UK.
Compare SSE | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Compare SSE | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • SSE trade under different names, including SSE, SWALEC and Scottish Hydro depending on the region.
  • SSE is the second largest Big Six supplier in the UK.
  • SSE supply 9.1 million customers in the UK.
E.ON | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power E.ON | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • UK market leader is producing combined heat and power.
  • E.ON is the world's largest investor owned utility service.
  • E.ON serves over 26 million customers.
EDF Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power EDF Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Largest producer of electricity in the UK.
  • EDF Energy is a French state owned company.
  • EDF Energy supplied 5.6 million homes in the UK.
Npower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Npower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Npower is owned by German company RWE.
  • Previously npower was known as Innogy.
  • Npower supply gas and electricity to 6.5 million customers in the UK.
ScottishPower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power ScottishPower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Scottish Power is owned by Spanish parent company Iberdrola.
  • One of the smaller of the Big Six energy companies.
  • Scottish Power serve 5.3 million customers in the UK.

What other energy suppliers are available?

The Big Five may be the UK's biggest and best-known energy suppliers, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best - the growing number of smaller energy suppliers means there's a greater choice than ever, so make sure you shop around for the best deal on gas and electricity.

You may even find these less well-known providers not only offer the best gas and electricity rates, but also better customer care and after-sales service.

Other energy suppliers

Angelic Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Angelic Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Not-for-profit energy provider owned by Islington Council.
  • Offers residents and alternative to the Bix Six energy providers.
  • Easy-to-understand terms and pricing - no confusing jargon or complicated tariffs.
Avro Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Avro Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Avro Energy began trading in 2015.
  • They look to provide simple and competitively prices energy products.
  • Avro Energy is based in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
Better Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Better Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Better Energy began supplying energy to customers in 2011.
  • Better Energy currently only offers gas to customers.
  • Better Energy's motto is "Same energy, Better price".
Boost Power | Compare Gas & Electric Prices PAYG | UKPower Boost Power | Compare Gas & Electric Prices PAYG | UKPower
  • The new name for OVO ‘pay-as-you-go’ energy.
  • Aims to improve the prepayment energy market.
  • Energy use can be monitored and meters topped up using the Boost app.
Breeze Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Breeze Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Aims to help people become more energy efficient.
  • Offers tips to help people use less energy and save money.
  • UK-based customer support team can be contacted by phone or email.
Brighter World Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Brighter World Energy | Compare Gas & Electric
  • Brighter World Energy began trading in 2016.
  • Every 2,000 customers who switch means they build a sustainable solar powered micro grid in a village in Africa.
  • Works in partnership with not-for-profit supplier Robin Hood Energy.
Bristol Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Bristol Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Bristol Energy committed to local development and reinvestment.
  • They pride themselves on a transparent service.
  • Bristol Energy supply around 10,000 customers in Britain.
British Gas | Compare Gas & Electric Prices British Gas | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Leading Big Six energy supplier in the UK.
  • British Gas is owned by parent company Centrica.
  • British Gas supply 15 million homes in the UK.
Bulb Energy | Compare gas & electric prices Vari-Fair | UKPower Bulb Energy | Compare gas & electric prices Vari-Fair | UKPower
  • Bulb specialise in renewable energy products.
  • They look to take on the Big Six by empowering their customers.
  • Bulb Energy supports independent renewable generators.
Co-op Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Co-op Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Only UK supplier to be owned by their customers.
  • Coop Energy has been operating since 2010.
  • Coop Energy boast a fair and transparent service.
Compare Affect | Energy gas and electricity prices | UK Power Compare Affect | Energy gas and electricity prices | UK Power
  • A team of ex-employees who used to work for one of the Big Six.
  • Over 50-years' combined experience in the energy market.
  • Affect energy pride themselves on their level of customer service.
  • Now owned by Octopus Energy.
Compare Daligas Energy | Compare Gas Prices | UK Power Compare Daligas Energy | Compare Gas Prices | UK Power
  • Only offer gas to their customers.
  • Helps SMEs with a simplified pricing structure.
  • Boast a transparent and trustworthy service.
Compare E Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Compare E Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • British-owned energy company based in Birmingham.
  • Aim is to keeping costs down so customers pay less.
  • Tariffs are simple and straightforward to helps customers choose the best deal.
Compare Ecotricity | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Compare Ecotricity | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Aims to offer honest, simple and cheaper pricing to its customers.
  • Focus on technology to put itself at the forefront of both prepay and direct debit markets.
  • Aims to save customers money by offering an alternative to the Big Six.
Compare Engie | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Compare Engie | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • ENGIE look to push boundaries in low carbon energy solutions.
  • They offer data led energy products to help customers save money.
  • Serve more than 14,000 customers in both public and private sectors.
Compare So Energy | Gas & Electricity prices | UK Power Compare So Energy | Gas & Electricity prices | UK Power
  • So Energy was set up to restore customer trust in suppliers.
  • Committed to delivering low prices for their customers.
  • A simplistic approach and the latest technology gives So Energy a competitive edge.
Compare SSE | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Compare SSE | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • SSE trade under different names, including SSE, SWALEC and Scottish Hydro depending on the region.
  • SSE is the second largest Big Six supplier in the UK.
  • SSE supply 9.1 million customers in the UK.
Compare Utilita | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Compare Utilita | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Utilita is the leading provider of pre-payment meters in the UK.
  • Utilita puts per payment customers first to offer them a better deal.
  • Payments can be sent to a meter remotely, allowing customers more freedom.
E.ON | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power E.ON | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • UK market leader is producing combined heat and power.
  • E.ON is the world's largest investor owned utility service.
  • E.ON serves over 26 million customers.
Ebico | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Ebico | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • EBICo was founded in 2008.
  • One of the few suppliers who offer zero standing charge tariffs.
  • EBICo also offer competitive pay-as-you-go tariffs.
Economy 7 | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Economy 7 | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Offers a cheaper rate during seven night-time hours.
  • Special Economy 7 meters show your day rate and discounted rate.
  • See how much you could save by switching to Economy 7.
Economy Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Economy Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Economy Energy fight to keep their customer's bills falling.
  • Over 5% of their energy is generated from renewable sources.
  • Boast a service that has local communities at its heart.
Ecotricity | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Ecotricity | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Ecotricity are always looking for new ways to invest in green energy sources.
  • Ecotricity regularly feature amongst the top of Which's satisfaction survey.
  • Ecotiricty is not-for-dividend, which means their customers always come first.
EDF Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power EDF Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Largest producer of electricity in the UK.
  • EDF Energy is a French state owned company.
  • EDF Energy supplied 5.6 million homes in the UK.
EnergySW | Compare Gas & Electric Prices EnergySW | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Energy SW work alongside OVO to offer improved levels of customer service.
  • Offer competitive pricing.
  • Offer per-payment meters for landlords to help residents enjoy savings as well.
Entice Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Entice Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Entice Energy offers low cost gas to homes all over the UK.
  • Their service boasts a state of the art online account service.
  • Each customer has access to an account manager.
Extra Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Extra Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Extra Energy is the sister company of German company extraenergie.
  • Considered a main challenger to the Big Six.
  • Aim to offer low prices with excellent service standards.
Fairerpower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Fairerpower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Provides competitive energy prices to residents of Cheshire East.
  • Run by Cheshire East Council, who have partnered with OVO.
  • Payments will be collected by OVO on behalf of Fairerpower.
First Utility is now Shell Energy First Utility is now Shell Energy
  • First Utility is now Shell Energy.
  • First Utility was the biggest supplier outside of the Big Six.
  • As a supplier they campaigned for positive changes, including faster switching.
Fischer Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Fischer Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Fischer puts customers first to value fairness, honesty and loyalty.
  • Offers just one tariff, its ‘One Fair Tariff’ do deliver one competitive price to all.
  • Family-run company that delivers for customers and not shareholders.
Flow Energy | Now Octopus Energy | UK Power Flow Energy | Now Octopus Energy | UK Power
  • Now part of Octopus Energy
  • Their UK-based customer service team can offer support every step of the way.
  • Pioneers of the electricity-generating Flow boiler.
Future Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Future Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Future Energy can boast low prices as well as transparent billing.
  • Based in Newcastle and prodominently supplies the North East of England.
  • Offer both gas and electricity products as part of their service.
GB Energy | Now Octopus Energy | UK Power GB Energy | Now Octopus Energy | UK Power
  • Now part of Octopus Energy
  • Provides gas and electricity to over 140,000 homes across the UK.
  • Ambition is to offer fair, competitive, no gimmicks prices to all customers.
GnERGY | Compare Gas & Electric Prices GnERGY | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • GnERGY is a new breed of community suppliers.
  • They aim to offer gas and electricity in an open and honest way.
  • They boast a multi lingual UK-based call center.
Go Effortless Energy | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power Go Effortless Energy | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power
  • Go Effortless Energy is built from the ground-up using customer perspective.
  • They offer one honest simple and fair tariff to all their customers.
  • They steer clear of misleading lyalty bonuses and cash-back schemes.
Good Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Good Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Good Energy offers renewable energy products.
  • Founded in 1999, they were the first supplier to have a 100% renewable energy fuel mix.
  • Good Energy has an expanding community of generators across the UK.
Great North Energy | Compare Energy Prices Great North Energy | Compare Energy Prices
  • Not-for-profit energy provider owned by Doncaster Council, in partnership with Robin Hood Energy.
  • Provides low cost, fair and transparent pricing and choice along with quality customer service.
  • A real alternative to expensive tariffs, especially prepayment customers.
Green Energy UK | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Green Energy UK | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Green Energy can supply domestic and business customers.
  • They buy energy from anyone generating their own surplus electricity.
  • They also offer lower cost products by harnessing the power of water, wind and sun.
Green Network Energy | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power Green Network Energy | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power
  • An Italian energy company founded in 2003, it supplies energy to Italy and the UK.
  • Aims to challenge the Big Six by operating with passion and innovation.
  • Offers customers more choice when it comes to managing energy needs.
Green Star Energy | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power Green Star Energy | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power
  • Offer gas and electricity to customers across the UK.
  • Part of the larger American group Just Energy.
  • They state their aim as a company looking to develop cost effective energy solutions for their customers.
iSupply Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices iSupply Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • iSupply is based in Bournemouth and launched in 2012.
  • Their mission is to provide low pricing and easy access to an online management account.
  • iSupply prioritise price and service for their customers.
LECCY | Compare Gas & Electric Prices LECCY | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Liverpool-based offering low-cost energy to the city and surrounding areas.
  • No shareholder or director bonuses means all profits go into keeping prices low for customers.
  • Works to support prepayment customers and help them move onto the best and cheapest alternatives and put them in control of their energy bills.
M&S Energy | Compare Gas and Electric Prices | UK Power M&S Energy | Compare Gas and Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Work in partnership with Octopus Energy.
  • M&S Energy prides itself in offering straightforward energy options to customers.
  • Not available in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Npower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Npower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Npower is owned by German company RWE.
  • Previously npower was known as Innogy.
  • Npower supply gas and electricity to 6.5 million customers in the UK.
Octopus Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Octopus Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Octopus is the largest investor in solar farms.
  • Octopus offers a better experience for customers through transparency, honesty and simplicity.
  • Puts the planet first with long term investment in low CO2 alternatives.
OneSelect | Compare Gas & Electric Prices OneSelect | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Shows customers how and when they use energy, to keep them in control.
  • Simple and transparent pricing so customers know exactly what they’re paying for.
  • Offers one simple, 12-month, fixed-rate tariff, with no exit fees.
Our Power | Compare Gas & Electric Our Power | Compare Gas & Electric
  • Energy supplier established by Scottish social housing providers.
  • Aims to reduce heat and fuel costs by passing benefits from the energy sector to residents and communities.
  • Generates its own power and reinvests profits to help benefit customers.
Outfox the Market | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Outfox the Market | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Outfox the Market offers a customer-led energy alternative.
  • Energy is bought at wholesale from 100% renewable sources.
  • Gas and electricity is available with no contract tie-ins.
OVO Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power OVO Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • An environmentally-conscious energy supplier aiming to make renewable energy available to all.
  • Offers a 100% renewable tariff for those who want to do more for the environment.
  • Boost publishes an annual environmental impact report and is working to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard.
Peterborough Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Peterborough Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Offers local residents to Peterborough fair and competitive prices.
  • In partnership with OVO.
  • OVO will collect payments on Peterborough Energy's behalf.
PFP Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power PFP Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • PFP Energy offers simple tariffs and bills, so you know exactly what you're getting.
  • Offer discounts for online accounts and direct debits.
  • Owned by the PFP Group, PFP Energy launched in 2015.
Powershop | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Powershop | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Offers an innovative and unique way to buy and sell-back energy.
  • Transparent pricing to keep customers in control.
  • A really different alternative with customer satisfaction ratings of 90%.
Ram Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Ram Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • A not-for-profit supplier, owned by Derby City Council to supply the people of Derby and the midlands.
  • No shareholder or director bonuses means all profits go into keeping prices low for customers.
  • Aim to provide energy at the lowest price possible.
Robin Hood Energy | Compare Energy Prices Robin Hood Energy | Compare Energy Prices
  • Robin Hood Energy is a not-for-profit supplier.
  • Boast a UK-based call centre.
  • Look to provide energy at the lowest price possible.
Sainsbury's Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Sainsbury's Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Sainsbury's Energy works in association with British Gas.
  • The look to provide customer service and energy expertise.
  • Offer gas, electricity and boiler services.
ScottishPower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power ScottishPower | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Scottish Power is owned by Spanish parent company Iberdrola.
  • One of the smaller of the Big Six energy companies.
  • Scottish Power serve 5.3 million customers in the UK.
Shell Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Shell Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • 100% renewable electricity
  • Formerly First Utility
  • One of the largest suppliers outside of the Big Six
Solarplicity | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Solarplicity | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • An independent, British energy supplier set up in 2009 to offer a green energy alternative.
  • Originally a solar energy provider, its now evolved to offer more alternatives.
  • 100% renewable, ethical and affordable energy for all.
Southend Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Southend Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Southend Energy works in partnership with OVO.
  • Dedicated to bringing competitive energy prices to Southend-On-Sea Borough Council.
  • Focus not just on low prices, but also sustainable prices.
Spark Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Spark Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • The only suppliers built around the UK lettings industry.
  • Offer tenants a tailored service and better value than the Big Six alternatives.
  • Utilise customer feedback to constantly improve their service.
SSE Atlantic | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power SSE Atlantic | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Part of the SSE group, a member of the Big Six.
  • Offers gas and electricity to prepayment and credit customers.
  • Customer-focussed with UK-based call centres.
SSE Scottish Hydro | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power SSE Scottish Hydro | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power
  • Part of the SSE group, a member of the Big Six.
  • Offers gas and electricity to prepayment and credit customers.
  • Customer-focussed with UK-based call centres.
SSE Southern Electric | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power SSE Southern Electric | Compare Gas & Electric | UK Power
  • Part of the SSE group, a member of the Big Six.
  • Offers gas and electricity to prepayment and credit customers.
  • Customer-focussed with UK-based call centres.
SSE SWALEC | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power SSE SWALEC | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Part of the SSE group, a member of the Big Six.
  • Supplies Energy to Wales and the south west.
  • Customer-focussed with UK-based call centres.
The Energy Deal | Compare Gas & Electric Prices The Energy Deal | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • Providing customers with low energy prices and great customer service.
  • Can contact by phone, email or on social media.
  • Aims to save 100,000 customers £20m over the next three years.
Together Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Together Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
Tonik Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Tonik Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Tonik Energy is looking to halve customer bills by 2022.
  • They offer fari prices through smart technology and transparent pricing.
  • Tonik Energy is based in Birmingham.
TOTO Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices TOTO Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • TOTO Energy offers customers low prices by purchasing energy at wholesale.
  • They offer a variety of payment methods to suit all customer's needs.
  • Look to provide offerings cheaper than the Big Six.
Usio Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices Usio Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices

Usio Energy entered the market in 2017. They are a small gas and electricity supplier based in London.

Utility Point | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Utility Point | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power

Utility Point were formed in 2017 and entered the energy market in 2018. They are a small gas and electricity supplier based in Dorset.

Utility Warehouse | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Utility Warehouse | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • At least 0.5% cheaper than the Big Six.
  • Utility Warehouse will always put you on their cheapest tariff.
  • Supplies more than 500,000 domestic and commercial customers.
White Rose Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices White Rose Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices
  • White Rose Energy was launched in 2016.
  • A not-for-profit supplier.
  • Serves customers in Yorkshire.
Your Energy Sussex | Compare Gas & Electric Your Energy Sussex | Compare Gas & Electric
  • Not-for-profit energy company supplying West Sussex, East Sussex and the surrounding areas.
  • Operated by a partnership of local councils who want people in Sussex to pay less for their energy.
  • Works in conjunction with Robin Hood Energy to supply low-cost gas and electricity.
Zog Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power Zog Energy | Compare Gas & Electric Prices | UK Power
  • Zog Energy uses cloud computing to provide unrivalled customer service.
  • It's aim is to provide the best possible value energy to its customers.
  • They look to keep their own overheads down and pass savings on to customers.

Are the Big Five the cheapest energy suppliers?

Although they're the most established energy companies, the Big Five are rarely the cheapest or the most trusted - because they tend to all raise their prices around the same time, they're often accused of using their high profile and levels of control to unfairly raise gas and electricity prices.

Such accusations have proven to be unfounded, following investigations by both Ofgem, the energy regulator, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), both of which oncluded that all of these companies had acted reasonably and responsibly, with regard to the setting of their prices.

The Big Five have traditionally dominated the gas and electricity markets, but figures from Ofgem shows that more and more smaller energy suppliers are eating into their market share - a situation that has undoubtedly been helped by the ease with which people can compare energy deals and switch suppliers.

This increased competition means you can save hundreds of pounds a year on your gas and electricity bills, just by swithcing away from the Big Five, as the table below shows:

Payment method Cheapest Big Six tariff Cheapest market tariff Saving
Direct Debit £1,050.87 £820.11 £230.76
Prepayment £1,028.21 £945.76 £82.45
Standard credit £1,028.21 £958.08 £70.13

As you can see, significant savings can be made whether you pay your energy bills via Direct Debit, which is often the cheapest payment method, prepayment meter, or by standard credit, such as making monthly or quaterly payments online or at the Post Office.

How to compare and switch energy companies

If you've never changed supplier before, you'll probably find it's a lot easier than you expected to switch energy, it's - just grab a recent energy bill and enter your postcode in the box at the bottom of the page to instantly compare the best deals currently on offer.

For the most accurate comparison results, take a look at your latest bill and input the necessary information about your household's energy usage. Don't worry if you don't have those details to hand though, you can still run a comparison using estimations based upon the type and size of your house.

Then simply review your options, pick a tariff that suits and confirm your switch online. Your gas and electric comparison website will then handle the rest of the switch with your supplier.

And that's it, the switch should take 17 days - that's three days for the switch, followed by a 14 day cooling off period.

If you're worried about having to pay exit charges for ending your current deal early, bear in mind it's possible to switch without paying any fees up to 45 days before your deal ends.

And remember, switching supplier doesn't involve any drilling at your property, or new pipework being installed - your gas and electricity will be still be supplied through the existing pipes and cables, you'll just be billed by a different provider.

How to switch energy supplier

Switching energy supplier is a quick and easy way to save money on your monthly gas and electricity bills. Enter your postcode below to run an energy price comparison