Top 10 Worst Energy Suppliers Uk

We’ve all been there. You open your energy bill, and your heart does a little skip—not from excitement, but from sheer terror. It’s like finding a parking ticket on your windshield after a lovely day out. Picking a bad energy supplier is like choosing a leaky kettle: it’ll cost you more in the long run, and it’ll definitely boil your blood.

But don’t worry, mate. I’ve done the digging (so you don’t have to) and found the ten suppliers that seem to specialise in making your life harder. Whether it’s shocking customer service or sneaky fees, these are the ones to avoid. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Usual Suspects: The Big Two

1. British Gas

Oh, British Gas. You’re like that one friend who always promises to help you move, then “forgets” on the day. They’re the UK’s biggest supplier, but size doesn’t equal kindness. Last year, they faced complaints about billing errors and long wait times on the phone—sometimes over 30 minutes. Picture that: you’re making a cuppa, and by the time someone answers, your tea’s gone cold. Not ideal.

2. E.ON Next

E.ON Next tries to be the trendy, modern cousin of E.ON, but like a shiny app that crashes, it often fails the basics. Customers report sudden price hikes without warning—like discovering your favourite biscuit tin is full of oatcakes. You expect sweetness, you get disappointment. Ouch.

The Repeat Offenders: Small but Annoying

3. Shell Energy

Shell Energy sounds reliable, like a trusty car. But if you read the recent reviews, it’s more like a car that starts making strange noises on the motorway. They’ve been slammed for poor complaint handling and slow refunds. Waiting weeks for your money is like waiting for a bus—then three come at once, but you’ve already walked home.

4. Scottish Power

Scottish Power has a special talent: making you feel like you’re in a never-ending phone loop. “Your call is important to us,” they say, while your life ticks away. They’ve topped the complaint charts for years, especially for forcing prepayment meters on vulnerable households. That’s the energy equivalent of a cold shower—unwanted and nasty.

Britain's best and worst energy suppliers ranked by Which? - see the

5. EDF Energy

EDF is France’s state-owned giant, but here in the UK, it acts like a grumpy cashier who sighs at your questions. Their billing system is famously confusing. One reader told me they received a bill for £0.02—then a £5 charge for “admin.” That’s like buying a single crisp and being charged for the bag. Madness.

The New Kids on the Block (Who Fell Over)

6. Utility Warehouse (UW)

Utility Warehouse sounds like a bargain shop, but their customer service is like a dodgy Wi-Fi signal: unpredictable and slow. They offer cashback deals, but many customers never see the money—like a magician who promises a rabbit but only pulls out a sock. Also, their exit fees are surprisingly high. Beware the small print.

7. OVO Energy

OVO started as a green, friendly underdog. But after absorbing SSE, they’ve become the grumpy giant who forgets your order. Customers complain about automatic price plan switches without consent. Imagine waking up to find your favourite cereal replaced with porridge—same store, but utterly wrong. No thanks.

8. Octopus Energy

Wait—Octopus is usually the hero, right? Mostly yes, but their recent surge in popularity means growing pains. Some new customers face delays setting up accounts, and their “smart” meter installation service can be like a game of hide-and-seek. They’re still good, but keep an eye on them. Trust, but verify.

UK's best and worst energy suppliers revealed as firms urged to 'up

The Bottom of the Barrel

9. Powershop

Powershop is like that friend who’s always “trying something new” but never quite gets it right. Their app lets you buy energy “packs” in advance, which sounds fun—like shopping on a game show. But if you forget to buy a pack, you’re hit with punitive rates. It’s like paying for a buffet, then being charged extra for the plate. Silly.

10. Green Network Energy (GNE)

GNE collapsed in 2021, but their ghost still haunts people. If you’re stuck with their old tariffs, you’re now with a “supplier of last resort” like British Gas—who, as we’ve seen, love charging extra. It’s like your ex’s favorite sweater suddenly following you home. Let it go.

Why You Should Care (And Smile Anyway)

Look, energy is like toilet paper: you don’t notice it until it’s gone or it’s really bad. But picking a good supplier can save you hundreds of pounds a year. That’s money for a cheeky takeaway, a new book, or a day out. And honestly, you deserve a supplier that doesn’t make you want to scream.

So, before signing up, check Ofgem’s latest complaint data and read reviews on Trustpilot. Think of it like dating: if someone has a pattern of ghosting you (or billing you), swipe left. Your wallet—and your sanity—will thank you. Stay warm, stay savvy, and never pay for the bag. Cheers!