10 UK Green Energy Services to Save You Money

As climate change continues to be one of the most pressing global challenges, finding ways to reduce our carbon footprints has become more important than ever. Green energy solutions are at the forefront of this effort, providing eco-friendly and cost-effective ways to power our homes and businesses. The UK is home to numerous green energy services designed to save both the environment and your wallet.

In this article we will look at the 10 UK green energy services that will help you reduce your energy bills and offer environmental benefits.

1. Bulb Energy

Bulb Energy is one of the most popular green energy providers in the UK, thanks to its commitment to supplying 100% renewable electricity. Founded in 2015, Bulb quickly grew due to its simple pricing model and transparent policies.

Advantages:

• 100% renewable electricity: Bulb sources all its electricity from wind, solar, and hydro, ensuring you have a minimal carbon footprint.
• Simple pricing structure: Unlike many other energy providers, Bulb offers a single tariff, making it easier to understand your bills.
• No exit fees: You can leave the service at any time without penalties.
• Green gas: While not fully renewable, 10% of Bulb’s gas supply comes from green sources.

Disadvantages:

• Variable tariffs: Bulb’s pricing can fluctuate with market conditions, meaning your bills could rise unexpectedly.
• No fixed rate plans: Some customers prefer the stability of fixed-rate tariffs, which Bulb does not offer.

Website: Bulb Energy

2. Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy is known for its innovative approach to energy management, using technology to optimize energy usage and lower costs. The company provides 100% renewable electricity and offers a variety of tariffs, including ones designed for electric vehicle (EV) owners.

Advantages:

• Flexible tariffs: Octopus offers numerous plans, including time-of-use tariffs that can help you save money by shifting your energy usage to off-peak hours.
• Tech-forward: The company uses smart technology to help you monitor and reduce your energy consumption.
• Customer service: Octopus consistently receives high marks for customer satisfaction.
• 100% renewable electricity: Like Bulb, Octopus sources its electricity entirely from renewable sources.

Disadvantages:

• Higher prices for some tariffs: While some tariffs can save you money, others may be slightly more expensive than the market average.
• Complex tariffs: The variety of plans can be confusing, especially for customers who prefer straightforward pricing.

Website: Octopus Energy

3. Good Energy

Good Energy is one of the pioneers of renewable energy in the UK, having been founded in 1999. The company is dedicated to fighting climate change by providing 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas.

Advantages:

• Long-standing reputation: Good Energy has been around for over two decades, proving its commitment to green energy.
• 100% renewable electricity: The company sources all its electricity from UK-based renewable sources.
• Carbon-neutral gas: Good Energy offsets the carbon emissions from its gas supply, making it a greener choice for heating.

Disadvantages:

• Premium pricing: Good Energy is typically more expensive than other green energy providers.
• Fewer tariffs: The company doesn’t offer as many options as competitors like Octopus or Bulb, limiting flexibility.

Website: Good Energy

4. Green Energy UK (GEUK)

Green Energy UK takes pride in being one of the few companies that offer 100% green gas and 100% renewable electricity. It’s a smaller, independent provider, but one that’s earned a loyal customer base for its environmentally-friendly credentials.

Advantages:

• 100% green gas: Unlike most providers that only offer a portion of green gas, GEUK provides fully renewable gas.
• Local focus: The company sources its energy from UK-based renewable sources, supporting the local economy.
• No exit fees: Customers can leave at any time without facing penalties.

Disadvantages:

• Higher costs: As a smaller company with premium green credentials, GEUK’s prices tend to be higher than larger providers.
• Limited service area: GEUK may not be available in all regions of the UK.

Website: Green Energy UK

5. Ecotricity

Ecotricity positions itself as an environmentally-conscious energy company, with a focus on building new renewable infrastructure to support the UK’s transition to green energy. They offer 100% green electricity and “frack-free” gas.

Advantages:

• Invests in new renewable projects: Ecotricity reinvests a portion of its profits into building new renewable energy infrastructure.
• Frack-free gas: The company guarantees that none of its gas is sourced from fracking.
• Electric vehicle charging: Ecotricity is also involved in EV charging through its Electric Highway network.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive: Ecotricity’s prices are often higher than other green energy providers.
• Customer service issues: Some customers have reported issues with billing and customer service response times.

Website: Ecotricity

6. EDF Energy

While EDF Energy may be better known as one of the “Big Six” traditional energy providers, it has made significant strides towards embracing green energy. The company offers 100% renewable electricity tariffs and provides customers with tools to monitor and reduce energy usage.

Advantages:

• Large provider: As one of the largest energy suppliers in the UK, EDF offers a level of stability that smaller companies might not.
• Smart technology: EDF provides smart meters and apps to help customers track and reduce their energy consumption.
• Variety of tariffs: EDF offers a range of fixed and variable tariffs, some of which include renewable electricity.

Disadvantages:

• Not fully green: While EDF offers green tariffs, it still sources a significant portion of its energy from non-renewable sources.
• Complex pricing: Like many large providers, EDF’s pricing structure can be confusing, with numerous tariffs and plans to choose from.

Website: EDF Energy

7. Ovo Energy

Ovo Energy is another green energy provider that’s grown rapidly in the UK market. Known for its commitment to carbon reduction, the company offers 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas, as well as smart technology for managing energy consumption.

Advantages:

• Carbon reduction: Ovo Energy is focused on reducing carbon emissions and offers carbon-offset gas.
• Smart technology: The company provides customers with tools to monitor their energy usage in real-time.
• Variety of plans: Ovo offers a range of tariffs, including fixed-rate plans for customers who prefer stability.

Disadvantages:

• Pricing: Ovo Energy is often priced higher than other green energy providers.
• Customer service issues: Some customers have reported problems with customer service, particularly around billing and account management.

Website: Ovo Energy

8. So Energy

So Energy is a smaller provider focused on simplicity and sustainability. They offer 100% renewable electricity and are committed to keeping costs low, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious customers who still want to go green.

Advantages:

• Affordable pricing: So Energy is one of the more affordable green energy providers in the UK.
• Simple tariffs: The company offers straightforward pricing with no hidden fees or surprises.
• 100% renewable electricity: Like other providers on this list, So Energy sources all its electricity from renewable sources.

Disadvantages:

• Limited tariff options: So Energy offers fewer tariffs than some of the larger providers.
• Smaller company: As a smaller provider, So Energy may not have the same level of resources or customer service as larger companies.

Website: So Energy

9. Pure Planet

Pure Planet was known for its innovative approach to green energy, offering 100% renewable electricity and carbon-offset gas at wholesale prices. However, the company ceased trading in 2021, with customers being moved to Shell Energy.

While Pure Planet is no longer available, Shell Energy now offers green tariffs that provide similar benefits, including renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas.

Advantages:

• Affordable tariffs: Shell Energy offers competitive pricing, particularly for customers looking for renewable energy options.
• Large provider: As a larger company, Shell Energy provides more stability than smaller providers.

Disadvantages:

• Not fully green: While Shell Energy offers green tariffs, much of its energy is still sourced from non-renewable sources.
• Customer service issues: Some customers have reported problems with customer service and account management.

Website: Shell Energy

10. E.ON Next

E.ON Next is the successor to E.ON’s UK business, focusing on providing renewable energy to customers while offering a user-friendly experience. The company offers 100% renewable electricity as standard for all customers.

Advantages:

• 100% renewable electricity: E.ON Next ensures that all customers receive renewable electricity, helping reduce carbon footprints.
• Large provider: As a major energy company, E.ON Next offers stability and resources that smaller providers may lack.
• Smart technology: The company provides smart meters and tools to help customers track and reduce energy usage.

Disadvantages:

• Not fully green: While E.ON Next offers renewable electricity, much of its gas supply comes from non-renewable sources.
• Pricing: E.ON Next is often priced higher than some of the smaller green energy providers.

Website: E.ON Next

Green Energy Supplier Services Comparison

Choosing the right green energy provider can make a significant difference both to your environmental impact and your wallet. While all the companies listed here offer renewable electricity, the specifics of their tariffs, customer service, and additional features like smart technology can vary widely.

To make the best choice, consider what matters most to you. If you want the lowest possible price, companies like So Energy and Bulb may be your best bet. For those looking for fully green gas, Green Energy UK is a top choice, while tech-savvy consumers might prefer Octopus Energy for its innovative tariffs..