Octopus Energy vs E.ON Next: Which Supplier is Better?

April 7th, 2025
Octopus Energy vs E.ON Next: Which Supplier is Better?

Switching to an energy supplier that matches your budget and green goals is important. Octopus Energy and E.ON Next are two of the biggest energy suppliers in the UK. They focus on renewable electricity and offer good prices. This comparison will check tariffs, customer service, smart meters, exit fees, and green energy programs. This way, you can choose what is best for you.

Who is E.ON Next?

E.ON Next is a part of E.ON SE, one of the biggest energy suppliers in Europe. This company began in 2020 and focuses on helping next customers who are moving from Npower. E.ON Next highlights renewable energy and provides different fixed and variable tariffs.

Key Facts About E.ON Next

  • Parent Company: E.ON SE
  • Customer Base: Over 3 million households
  • Headquarters: Coventry, England
  • Main Services: Gas, electricity, smart meters, solar panels, and EV chargers
  • Renewable Energy Commitment: 100% renewable electricity

Who is Octopus Energy?

Octopus Energy began in 2015. Since then, it has grown to be one of the largest energy suppliers in the UK. The company is famous for its green energy, smart technology, and good customer service. In the last few years, it has expanded quickly.

Key Facts About Octopus Energy

  • Customer base: Over 7 million households
  • Headquarters: Based in London, England
  • Main services: Gas, electricity, solar panels, heat pumps, and EV chargers
  • Renewable energy commitment: 100% renewable electricity
  • Smart tariffs: Agile Octopus and Tracker, linked to energy market rates

Tariffs & Pricing Comparison

Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT) & Standing Charges

Tariff Type Octopus Energy E.ON Next
Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) 24.50p/kWh electricity, 6.24p/kWh gas 24.50p/kWh electricity, 6.24p/kWh gas
Standing Charge (per day) Electricity: 60.99p, Gas: 31.66p Electricity: 60.99p, Gas: 31.66p

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Fixed & Tracker Tariffs

Tariff Type Octopus Energy E.ON Next
Fixed Tariff Available, varies by region Available, varies by contract
Tracker Tariff Yes (adjusts with wholesale prices) No
Green Energy Tariff 100% renewable electricity Partially renewable
Electric Vehicle Tariff Yes (Intelligent Octopus) Yes (Next Drive)

Key Differences in Tariffs

  • Flexible Pricing: Octopus Energy offers Tracker Tariffs. These rates change daily based on the energy market prices.
  • Fixed Tariffs: E.ON Next provides long-term fixed deals. This protects you from increases in the energy price cap.
  • Electric Vehicle Owners: Both companies have special rates for EVs. Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Octopus changes prices based on grid demand.

Smart Meter Options and Benefits

Both suppliers offer smart meter installation. This helps customers monitor their kWh usage. It also helps them manage their energy use better.

Smart Meter Features Comparison

Feature Octopus Energy E.ON Next
Smart Meter Installations Yes Yes
Mobile App for Monitoring Yes Yes
Time-of-Use Tariffs Available Yes (Agile Octopus) Yes (Next Drive)
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Yes Yes

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows customers who have solar panels to earn money by sending extra energy back to the grid.

How to Submit Meter Readings to Octopus Energy & E.ON Next

Checking your meter often gives you exact billing. It also helps you avoid estimated charges.

Submitting a Meter Reading to Octopus Energy

  • Via Website: Sign in to your online account. Click on “Submit a Meter Reading.” Type in your readings and send them.
  • Via App: Open the Octopus app. Tap on “Meter Readings.” Enter your details and submit.
  • Via Email: Email your meter readings to [email protected].

Submitting a Meter Reading to E.ON Next

  • Via Website: Visit E.ON Next’s online account. Sign in and click on “Submit a Meter Reading” to give your information.
  • Via App: Open the E.ON Next app to send your readings.
  • Via Phone: Call 0808 501 5200 and follow the instructions.

How to Submit Meter Readings to Octopus Energy & E.ON Next

Additional Services: Octopus Energy vs E.ON Next

Octopus Energy and E.ON Next do more than just give regular gas and electricity prices. They provide renewable energy options, smart home gadgets, and support for electric vehicles (EVs). Let’s compare them in key areas like solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage, and EV charging solutions.

Solar Panels & Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

Both Octopus Energy and E.ON Next help customers create and share their own renewable electricity. They do this by installing solar panels.

Service Octopus Energy E.ON Next
Solar Panel Installation Yes, via Octopus Solar Yes, via E.ON Solar
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Yes, pays for exported electricity Yes, pays for exported electricity
Battery Storage Available Yes, integrates with solar Yes, integrates with solar
Installation Cost Quote-based, competitive rates Quote-based, competitive rates

Key Insights:

  • Octopus Energy has a service named Octopus Solar. This service assists with putting up solar panels and offers battery storage choices. Customers can keep extra solar energy they do not need. This can reduce their need to take energy from the grid.
  • E.ON Next has similar services for installing solar panels. They also pay customers for any extra energy returned to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.

Heat Pumps & Home Heating Solutions

Both suppliers are advertising heat pumps. They feel that heat pumps are a good replacement for regular gas boilers. This helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Service Octopus Energy E.ON Next
Air Source Heat Pump Installation Yes, via Octopus Heat Pumps Yes, via E.ON Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps Yes, available No
Government Grants Supported Yes (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) Yes (Boiler Upgrade Scheme)
Installation Cost From £2,500 after grants From £3,000 after grants

Key Insights:

  • Octopus Energy has air source and ground source heat pumps at great prices. You can also take advantage of grants from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
  • E.ON Next only sells air source heat pumps. They focus on efficiency and ease of installation.

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Battery Storage Solutions

Battery storage is really important. It helps us get the best out of renewable energy. This way, we can use less electricity from the grid.

Service Octopus Energy E.ON Next
Battery Storage Available Yes, via Octopus Battery Storage Yes, integrates with solar systems
Compatible with Solar Panels Yes Yes
Home Battery Cost Custom quote-based pricing Custom quote-based pricing
Grid Flexibility Services Yes, customers can sell stored energy back to the grid No

Key Insights:

  • Octopus Energy helps customers save more electricity. They can also sell it back to the grid when prices go up.
  • E.ON Next mainly focuses on battery storage as a backup for homes that use solar panels.

Electric Vehicle Charging & Smart Tariffs

EV Charging Services Octopus Energy E.ON Next
EV Charger Installation Yes, via Octopus EV Charger Yes, via E.ON Drive
Smart EV Tariff Yes, Intelligent Octopus Yes, E.ON Next Drive
Best Time to Charge Cheaper rates overnight Cheaper rates overnight
Integration with Home Battery Yes Yes

Key Insights:

  • The Intelligent Octopus tariff from Octopus Energy changes the costs of charging your EV. It offers lower rates when electricity demand is not high.
  • E.ON Next Drive also gives cheap charging rates during the night. This helps EV owners save money on their electricity bills.

Customer Reviews & Trustpilot Ratings

Customer feedback highlights key differences in customer service, billing accuracy, and the ease of changing suppliers.

Trustpilot Ratings Breakdown

Supplier TrustScore 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1★ Total Reviews
Octopus Energy 4.8/5 90% 5% 1% 1% 3% 527,436
E.ON Next 4.4/5 73% 8% 3% 2% 14% 116,000

Trustpilot Reviews Breakdown (March 2025)

Correct as of March 2025.

Customer Service Insights

Octopus Energy has many great features:

  • Their customer service is quick and helpful, giving you a great experience.
  • It’s easy to set up direct debit for payments.
  • You can pick from flexible tariff options and switch plans without paying an exit fee.

E.ON Next receives a variety of feedback:

✔   They offer great support for smart meters.

✔   Their fixed tariffs are good compared to others.

❌   On the downside, they charge higher exit fees for fixed plans.

❌   Response times may take longer than expected.

Complaints Per 100,000 Customers

Quarter E.ON Next Octopus Energy
Q1 2024 1,248 1,155
Q2 2024 1,934 1,598
Q3 2024 1,361 1,841

E.ON Next has been receiving more complaints about issues with billing and contract terms. On the other hand, Octopus Energy gets more complaints about delays in smart meter installation.

Complaints Per 100000 Customers (2024)

Switch & Save on Your Energy Bills

If you want to save money on energy, Free Price Compare can help you find the best energy supplier for your needs.

How to Switch & Save

  • Compare energy prices – Get a free quote to find the best tariff.
  • Look for referral codes – Octopus Energy gives £50 referral credit.
  • Watch for exit fees – E.ON Next has exit fees on fixed tariffs.
  • Choose renewable electricity – Both suppliers offer green energy plans.
  • Take advantage of government programs – Check if you qualify for the Warm Home Discount.

Changing your energy provider is simple. Thanks to the energy switch guarantee, you won’t need to worry about losing your energy supply.

Correct as of 25 February 2025

FAQs About Octopus Energy vs E.ON Next

Is Octopus Energy cheaper than E.ON Next?

Octopus Energy’s Tracker Tariff might be cheaper than the fixed tariffs from E.ON Next. This depends on the energy market.

Which supplier has better customer service?

Octopus Energy has a great Trustpilot score of 4.8 out of 5. It also replies to customers quicker than E.ON Next, which has a score of 4.4 out of 5.

Does E.ON Next charge exit fees?

E.ON Next will take up to £200 from you if you leave a fixed contract early for each fuel. In contrast, Octopus Energy does not charge any exit fees.

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