The annual customer satisfaction survey from consumer group Which? has delivered a stark verdict on the UK's biggest energy providers, naming the best and worst performers for 2026.
The Worst Performers: Big Names Lag Behind
Scottish Power, EDF, and British Gas have been ranked as the country's worst energy suppliers. All three received overall scores below 60% in the assessment, which combined a survey of almost 12,000 customers with an in-depth review of company policies.
Scottish Power propped up the table with the lowest score of just 56%. It was singled out for particularly poor handling of customer complaints. EDF followed closely with 58%, criticised for its shorter customer service phone and email monitoring hours compared to rivals.
British Gas, owned by Centrica, scored 59%. Which? found that while it offered a good level of support to those in need, it struggled significantly with resolving complaints and managing customer switches effectively.
The Leading Pack: Who Topped the Charts?
In contrast, E (Gas and Electricity) emerged as the clear leader with an impressive overall score of 79%. It earned four-star ratings for customer service, ease of contact, and bill clarity. A resounding 86% of its customers said they would recommend the provider.
Octopus Energy secured second place with a score of 74%, reinforcing its reputation for strong customer service. It was followed by 100Green and Sainsbury's Energy, which scored 72% and 71% respectively.
Industry Reaction and Advice for Consumers
Emily Seymour, Which? Energy editor, stated: "Our research shows that while four suppliers are outshining the competition, some big firms are letting their customers down." She emphasised that with fixed tariffs now reliably cheaper than the price cap, customers should not tolerate poor value or service, and urged unhappy consumers to shop around.
In response, a Centrica spokesman highlighted British Gas's ongoing improvements, noting complaints have fallen over 20% annually for two years. EDF acknowledged the findings and pointed to its strong Trustpilot rating, while Scottish Power defended its service by referencing its performance on the Citizens Advice scorecard.
The survey was conducted in September and October 2025, providing a snapshot of the market as fixed deals become more competitive.
