E.ON Next vs Scottish Power: Which Supplier is Better?

Switching to the right energy supplier can help you save on energy prices, enjoy renewable electricity, and receive better customer service. E.ON Next and Scottish Power are two of the largest energy suppliers in the UK. They provide a mix of fixed and variable tariffs, smart meter support, and green energy options.

This comparison will look at their tariffs, exit fees, Trustpilot ratings, extra costs, and smart meter benefits. This will help you choose the best provider for you.

Who is E.ON Next?

E.ON Next is a part of E.ON SE, which is one of the largest energy suppliers in Europe. It started in 2020. The company cares about providing 100% renewable electricity, offering competitive prices, and having better customer service.

Key Facts About E.ON Next

• Parent Company: E.ON SE
• Customer Base: More than 3 million homes
• Headquarters: Coventry, UK
• Main Services: Gas, electricity, smart meters, solar panels, and business energy
• Renewable Electricity: Certified by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs)

E.ON Next provides fixed and standard variable tariffs. This makes it a good option for customers who seek stable pricing or market-driven rates.

Who is Scottish Power?

Scottish Power is a UK-based supplier. It is part of Iberdrola, which is a global leader in wind energy. ScottishPower offers gas, electricity, and smart meters to millions of customers. These customers include both homes and businesses.

Key Facts About Scottish Power

• Parent Company: Iberdrola
• Customer Base: More than 5 million households
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland
• Main Services: Gas, electricity, smart meters, solar panels, and business energy
• Renewable Energy Commitment: 100% electricity generated from wind

ScottishPower is focused on wind energy. This makes it a good choice for customers who are looking for sustainable energy solutions.

Tariffs & Pricing Comparison

Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT) & Standing Charges

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Fixed & Renewable Tariffs

Key Differences in Tariffs

• E.ON Next’s fixed tariffs keep your rates steady but have high exit fees (£100 per fuel).
• Scottish Power provides wind energy-based green tariffs, but the standing charges are a bit higher.
• Scottish Power makes its own wind energy, while E.ON Next purchases renewable energy certificates (REGOs).

Smart Meter Options and Benefits

Smart Meter Features Comparison

• ScottishPower offers WhatsApp customer support to help solve problems faster.
• E.ON Next emphasises customer service through email and their app.

How to Submit Meter Readings to E.ON Next & ScottishPower

How to Submit a Meter Reading to E.ON Next

• Via Website: Log in to your E.ON Next online account. Then, go to “Submit a Meter Reading” and put in the details.
• Via App: Open the E.ON Next app. Next, go to “Meter Readings” and share your latest readings.
• Via Email: Email your meter readings to [email protected].

How to Submit a Meter Reading to ScottishPower

• Via Website: Log into your ScottishPower account, click on “Submit a Meter Reading,” and fill in your usage details.
• Via App: You can quickly send submissions with the ScottishPower mobile app.
• Via WhatsApp: Customers of ScottishPower can send readings through WhatsApp for quicker service.

How to Pay Your Energy Bills: E.ON Next vs ScottishPower

Paying your energy bill on time is important. It helps you avoid extra charges and keep a smooth energy supply. Both E.ON Next and ScottishPower have several payment methods. You can choose from direct debit, prepayment meters, or one-time payments. Each provider offers different billing options. It’s essential to pick a method that fits your budget and energy consumption.

Payment Methods Comparison

1. Paying by Direct Debit (Best for Budgeting & Discounts)

Using direct debit is the cheapest way to pay your energy bill. A lot of suppliers, like E.ON Next and ScottishPower, give discounts to customers who pay by monthly direct debit.

• E.ON Next provides options for fixed monthly payments and variable direct debit. Your bill changes according to your actual energy usage.
• ScottishPower gives you the choice of fixed direct debit payments. This means your monthly charges stay the same. But, you might overpay or underpay, which could require adjustments later.

Why Choose Direct Debit?

• Helps spread the cost of energy bills throughout the year.
• Steps around late payment fees and interruptions to your energy supply.
• May qualify for possible discounted rates.

2. Paying via Prepayment Meters (Ideal for Pay-As-You-Go Customers)

For people who want more control over their energy costs, both E.ON Next and ScottishPower provide prepayment meters.

• Smart Prepay Meters allow you to add money online using mobile apps instead of using a key or card.
• Traditional Prepayment Meters need you to manually add money at PayPoint locations or Post Offices.

Important Note: Prepayment meters might cost more than direct debit tariffs. This is because the standing charge and unit rates could be higher.

Why Choose Prepayment Meters?

• Helps prevent surprise high bills.
• Good for people who like a pay-as-you-go system.
• A great choice for budget-conscious customers who want to manage their energy use.

3. Paying by Credit/Debit Card (Best for One-Time Payments)

Both E.ON Next and ScottishPower let you make one-time payments with your credit or debit card.

E.ON Next allows you to pay using their website, mobile app, or through their customer service team. ScottishPower provides options for paying online and via their app, as well as in-person payments at certain stores.

Important Tip: If you miss a direct debit payment, you can pay off your balance with a debit or credit card before any late fees start.

Why Choose Card Payments?

• Great for customers who want a flexible payment plan.
• Aids in paying off balances fast.

4. Flexible Payment Plans for Managing Debt

If you are having a hard time paying your energy bill, E.ON Next and ScottishPower have flexible payment plans. These plans can fit your needs and situation.

• E.ON Next gives you personalised repayment plans based on how much energy you use and your money situation.
• ScottishPower has debt repayment plans that let you spread out payments over a few months.

Energy Price Cap & Payment Plans: Customers facing higher energy prices because of the energy price cap changes can apply for support programs like the Warm Home Discount.

Why Choose a Payment Plan?

• Helps customers handle big bills without getting disconnected right away.
• Gives more comfort for people with lower incomes.

5. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for Solar Panel Users

If you make electricity with solar panels, you can get money back through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

• E.ON Next provides SEG payments. This means you get paid for any unused electricity you send back to the grid.
• ScottishPower does not offer SEG payments at this time.

If you have solar panels or heat pumps, E.ON Next might be the best choice because of smart export payments.

Why Choose Smart Export Guarantee?

• Aids in lowering your carbon footprint.
• Provides extra cost savings on electricity bills.

6. EV Tariffs & Smart Charging Discounts

Both E.ON Next and ScottishPower have electric vehicle (EV) tariffs. These tariffs offer lower rates for charging your car overnight.

• E.ON Next offers EV-friendly plans with lower off-peak prices.
• ScottishPower has EV Smart Charging for people using wind-powered green energy.

If you have an EV, changing to an EV tariff can help you save money when you charge it.

Why Choose an EV Tariff?

• Aids in keeping your energy costs low.
• Provides lower prices for charging your EV overnight.

Customer Reviews & Trustpilot Ratings

Trustpilot Ratings Breakdown

• E.ON Next gets more positive reviews and a better Trustpilot score than ScottishPower.
• ScottishPower is better for wind energy generation, but it has more complaints about billing accuracy.

Complaints Per 100,000 Customers

Source – OFGEM

• ScottishPower gets less complaints about billing accuracy.
• E.ON Next gets more complaints regarding smart meter installations and contract terms.

Switch & Save on Your Energy Bills

If you want cheaper energy tariffs, Free Price Compare can help you switch easily.

How to Switch & Save

• Compare energy prices – Use our free energy comparison tool to find the best energy deals.
• Check exit fees – E.ON Next charges £100 for each fuel, while ScottishPower charges £75 for each fuel.
• Choose green electricity – ScottishPower creates wind energy, while E.ON Next buys renewable energy certificates.
• Use a postcode checker – Find the best energy tariffs in your area and make an energy switch to save money.

Switching suppliers is quick and easy. There will be no interruption to your energy supply.

Correct as of 01 March 2025

FAQs About E.ON Next vs Scottish Power

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