What’s in this review?
If you’re thinking about switching your business energy to Ecotricity, you may have read their reviews on Trustpilot.
But does this truly reflect the Ecotricity service that customers can expect?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this green energy company, from what services they offer, reviews from trusted sources and whether this business is for you.
Let’s take a closer look at Ecotricity.
Introduction
Founded in 1996, Ecotricity claim to be not only Britain but the world’s first green energy company. Serving over 200,000 customers across the UK, this independent energy company may be lesser known than it’s ‘big six’ competitors, but has a rich history of providing alternative energy.
Costs and Fees
Although the price of Ecotricity’s electricity and gas may cost more than their competitors, they claim that this is because your energy bills will help build renewable sources of energy for the UK.
They call it ‘bills to mills’, Ecotricity put all of their money (and your energy bills) back into their ‘mission’ to bring more of these sources to fuel the country.
They are also expanding what they call the ‘electricity highway’ which is their network of electric car charging points, and technologies to make and supply green energy.
Green Electricity Tariff
| Supplier |
Ecotricity (The Renewable Energy Company Ltd)
|
| Tariff name | Green Electricity |
| Tariff type | Variable |
| Payment method | All standard payment types accepted |
| Unit rate | 17.5350p |
| Standing charge | 27.9405p per day |
| Tariff ends on | No end date |
| Price guaranteed until | Not applicable |
| Exit fees (if you cancel this tariff before the end date) | No exit fees |
| Assumed annual consumption | 3100 |
| Estimated annual cost | £646 |
Green Gas Tariff
| Supplier |
Ecotricity (The Renewable Energy Company Ltd)
|
| Tariff name | Green Gas |
| Tariff type | Variable |
| Payment method | All standard payment types accepted |
| Unit rate | 4.2105p |
| Standing charge | 26.5020p per day |
| Tariff ends on | No end date |
| Price guaranteed until | Not applicable |
| Exit fees (if you cancel this tariff before the end date) | No exit fees |
| Discounts and additional charges |
If you have electricity and gas with us, you will receive a dual fuel discount of £15 per year. This will be shown on your annual gas summary.
|
| Assumed annual consumption | 12000 |
| Estimated annual cost | £587 |
Core services & offering
For your home:
Pay as you go
Pay as you go meter gives you much more control over both over your energy usage and lets you pay for your gas and electricity in manageable chunks. There are no exit fees or penalties, so you can be assured that if you decide to switch you won’t have to pay an extra charge.
Energy saver plan
Formerly a Sun Edison product, Ecotricity took it over in 2016 and now take care of many people making their energy at home using solar panels.
They are not taking any new customers for this plan, but they hope to be able to offer a similar offer shortly as soon as the costs make sense.
Feed In Tariff (FIT)
‘Microtricity’ is the Ecotricity’s name for their Feed-In Tariff (FIT). This is a government scheme that allows customers to have the benefit of generating their electricity and selling it back to the grid.
Ecotricity offer advice and guides to help you get started.
For your business:
Not only do Ecotricity offer benefits to domestic customers, but they can also help your business to switch to green energy and even start generating your own.
Electricity & Gas
Small Business Electricity Tariffs
- 100% green energy
- 35% of their power comes from their sources
- A straightforward tariff to eliminate complicated choices
- Expert account managers
- Prices start from 14.15 per kWh + 18.90 per day standing charge
- Friendly sales teams
Small Business Green Gas Tariffs
- Green gas that is created from grass
- 5% of the gas is green
- Prices start from 3.95 per kWh + 24.15 per day standing charge
Large Business Electricity Tariffs
- 100% green energy
- Fixed pricing options
- Expert account managers
New connections
Ecotricity claims to specialise in new meter connections and provide a range of services for all types of electricity and gas metering requirements. They offer this benefit to property developers, commercial builders and even those who are planning to build their own home.
- A nationwide service.
- 100% green electricity and frack-free green gas
- The latest Smart meter technology and expertise
- Free meter installations and competitive energy prices
- Specialist account management for every project
On-site generation
According to Ecotricity, they have been building wind turbines on industrial and commercial sites for almost a decade.
Their Merchant Wind Power scheme can provide you with green energy supply for less than you pay for your brown electricity. If you use over 1GWh a year, this plan might be perfect for you.
Ecotricity builds and maintains the turbines on your site, so there’s no risk or cost to you.
Customer Support
Ecotricity does have a mixed review on Trustpilot.
Many of the negative reviews seem to be more recent than old, based on poor customer service and what appears to be administration issues. These issues can be rectified, but it will take an investment from Ecotricity to try and see where they can improve their service.
Online reviews aren’t always accurate, but it is essential to take them into consideration when deciding whether to switch suppliers.
Positive Customer Support Review
Lisset Burrett & Kevin Davies on Trustpilot:
Ecotricity staff have been helpful, prompt and polite. Thanks.
Negative Customer Support Review
Such a shame to leave a company with a promising ethos a bad review. Terrible experience trying to switch to. Appalling customer service and a seeming lack of communication between their departments have caused numerous problems.
Ecotricity Reviews
Positive Ecotricity Reviews
A quick hassle free switch from my old provider and easy to use web interfaces for readings and payments. Given their green credentials as well, what’s not to like
Negative Ecotricity Reviews
My bill has doubled compared to last year, and customer service is not good. Not the company that it used to be. Looking to switch right now.
Company Comparison
| Company | Bulb | So Energy | Affect | Ecotricity |
| Overall Trustpilot Score | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Discounts | No | No | £15.75 per fuel per year | £15 dual fuel discount |
| The average cost for dual fuel three bedroom home | £82 | £78 | £90.00 | £103 |
| Positive Reviews on Trustpilot | 92% Positive | 86% Positive | 86% Positive | 56% Positive |
Who Should Use the Company?
Ecotricity would be an excellent choice for a company that is looking to reduce their carbon footprint, convert to green energy and even make use of Ecotricity’s expertise to install wind turbines on commercial or industrial properties.
Ecotricity Review
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Price
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Customer support
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Range of services
Summary
Ecotricity, being one of the UK’s first green energy providers, has a long and solid history with providing domestic and commercial properties with renewable energy. Although they have had some issues recently, once they have worked out those problems they will be one of the more exciting energy companies, with their initiatives to help build the UK’s renewable energy sources.
Pros
- Their profits go back into building renewable energy sources
- Expert account managers for your business
- A wide range of services for both domestic and commercial properties
Cons
- The cost of energy is higher than their competitors
- Reviews have stated issues with switching providers
- There have been some problems with responses from customer service
