New research has unveiled which energy companies are delighting British households and which are leaving them frustrated. The annual customer satisfaction survey from consumer champion Which? has ranked the nation's best and worst energy suppliers, with some surprising results.
The Best and Worst Performers
In a survey of nearly 12,000 energy customers, the lesser-known supplier E emerged as the clear leader. The Birmingham-based firm, which now serves over 300,000 customers, achieved an impressive overall score of 79%. A key selling point highlighted by the company is its policy of not charging penalty fees to customers who are locked into a contract but wish to switch providers, a practice common among many rivals.
Hot on its heels was the rapidly expanding Octopus Energy, which has grown to become the UK's largest supplier. It secured second place with a score of 74%. Both E and Octopus, along with 100Green and Sainsbury’s Energy, were awarded the coveted status of Which? Recommended Providers.
At the opposite end of the scale, the industry's biggest names faced criticism. Scottish Power was ranked the worst supplier, receiving particularly low marks for its handling of customer complaints. It was joined in the bottom three by rivals EDF Energy and British Gas, according to the analysis published on 19 January 2026.
Housing Market Sees Record January Bounce
In separate financial news, the property market has enjoyed its strongest start to a year on record. Data from Rightmove shows a significant surge in asking prices, providing a major boost after a period of uncertainty.
The average price of a home coming to market jumped by nearly £9,900 since December, reaching £368,031. This represents a monthly increase of 2.8%, which Rightmove notes is the largest January rise in its 25-year history. Furthermore, it marks the biggest month-on-month price hike of any month since June 2015, suggesting a robust 'Boxing Day bounce' in market activity.
What This Means for Consumers
The stark contrast in energy supplier ratings underscores the importance of customer service in a volatile market. While large, established firms are struggling with satisfaction, smaller and more agile providers are setting new standards. For homeowners, the simultaneous spike in property values indicates renewed confidence, though it also presents challenges for first-time buyers looking to enter the market.
Consumers are advised to use tools like the Which? survey to review their current energy deal, especially if they are with one of the lower-ranked suppliers. Meanwhile, anyone considering a property move must navigate a market that is demonstrating unexpected and record-breaking strength at the start of 2026.
