So Energy vs British Gas – Who Is the Better Supplier?

Who Are So Energy and British Gas?

So Energy

• Parent Company: So Energy
• Customer Base: More than 250,000 homes
• Headquarters: London, UK
• Main Services: Gas, electricity, renewable energy, and smart meters
• Renewable Electricity Commitment: 100% renewable electricity

So Energy is a smaller energy company in the UK. It has become popular because it offers competitive energy tariffs and focuses on renewable energy. The company provides green electricity and helps people reduce their carbon footprint. They do this through several energy-saving programs, such as smart meters and efficient energy tariffs. Even though So Energy is a new supplier, it has quickly earned a good reputation for customer service and low energy bills.

British Gas

• Parent Company: Centrica
• Customer Base: More than 12 million homes
• Headquarters: Windsor, UK
• Main Services: Gas, electricity, home services, smart meters
• Renewable Electricity Commitment: They aim for net-zero carbon emissions

British Gas is one of the biggest energy companies in the UK. It has been a key player in the energy market for a long time. The company provides various tariffs to meet different customer needs. It also offers home services such as boiler cover and help with energy efficiency. British Gas is well-known in the East Midlands and other areas of the UK. They offer several services and have different payment options, like direct debit.

Energy Prices and Tariffs Comparison

The energy price cap from Ofgem shows the highest amount energy suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs (SVT). So Energy and British Gas provide both fixed and variable tariff options. Their prices change based on updates to the energy price cap that come every January, April, July, and October.

Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT) & Standing Charges

• So Energy has slightly lower prices for gas.
• Their standing charges are also lower than British Gas.

Fixed Tariffs Comparison

• So Energy provides cheaper fixed rates for electricity and gas than British Gas.
• British Gas charges higher fees of £75 for leaving fixed tariffs early, for each fuel.

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Smart Meters and Energy Efficiency Support

So Energy and British Gas provide smart meters. These help customers keep an eye on their energy use. They also make it easier to manage energy bills.

Smart Meter Features Comparison

• British Gas provides time-of-use plans. These plans help customers save money on energy used during off-peak times.
• So Energy gives renewable electricity. This helps customers lower their carbon emissions.

Customer Service and Reviews

Trustpilot Ratings

Correct as of 05/03/2025

So Energy has a TrustScore of 4.2 out of 5. A great 72% of customers rate it with 5 stars. This shows that people are very happy with their energy tariffs and customer service. On the other hand, British Gas is one of the largest energy companies. However, it receives more complaints about billing accuracy and customer communications.

Complaints Per 100,000 Customers

Source – OFGEM

• So Energy gets more complaints for every 100,000 customers than British Gas.
• The biggest complaints from So Energy customers are about billing problems and confusion with energy tariffs.

How to Pay Your Energy Bills

Payment Methods Comparison

• Direct debit lets you pay lower unit rates and get better energy deals from both suppliers.
• So Energy does not take cheque payments, but British Gas still gives more traditional payment options.

How to Submit Meter Readings: So Energy vs British Gas

Sending in your meter readings is very important. It helps you get the right energy bills from So Energy and British Gas. When you read your meter regularly, you can stop getting estimated bills. This way, you only pay for the energy you actually use.

How to Submit Meter Readings to So Energy

1. Log in to your So Energy account on the So Energy website or using the So Energy app.
2. Go to the Submit a Meter Reading section.
3. Enter your electricity and gas meter readings carefully.
4. Confirm and send the readings. This will help make sure your energy bills reflect actual usage.
5. Look for a confirmation email about the readings you submitted.

How to Submit Meter Readings to British Gas

1. Sign in to your British Gas account on the British Gas website or the British Gas app.
2. Click on Submit a Meter Reading from your account dashboard.
3. Type in your latest electricity and gas meter readings.
4. Check and send the readings to prevent estimated energy costs.
5. Wait for a confirmation email or a message in the app.

Why Submit Meter Readings?

• Accurate Billing: Sending in your meter readings regularly helps keep your energy bills based on what you actually use. This means you avoid estimates.
• Avoid Estimated Charges: When you share accurate readings, you lower the chances of billing mistakes and overcharging. This is especially important when you change suppliers or have a fixed deal.
• Switching to a New Supplier: If you’re changing from So Energy to British Gas, or the other way around, accurate meter readings help make the process smooth and prevent problems like exit fees.
• Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: If you want to lower your carbon footprint, smart meters from So Energy and British Gas can help. They let you check and manage your energy use in real time, helping you save money on energy costs.

Switching Energy Suppliers and Finding the Best Tariff

How to Switch and Save on Energy Bills

1. Compare energy rates – Look at fixed price rates, variable rates, and renewable energy choices from So Energy and British Gas.
2. Think about renewable electricity options – So Energy has 100% renewable electricity. British Gas provides green energy for fixed rates.
3. Check for exit fees – So Energy has a lower exit fee of £30 per fuel for fixed rates. British Gas charges £75 per fuel.
4. Use smart meters – So Energy and British Gas both give smart meters for more accurate billing.
5. Look for dual-fuel rates – Both companies offer dual-fuel rates to help you save on gas and electricity.

FAQs About So Energy vs British Gas

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