Utility Warehouse vs Octopus: Which Is Better in 2025?
UW has won 80+ awards since 2015, including:
- Best Value for Money (Uswitch 2024)
- Which? Recommended Provider
🔍 Verdict: Octopus wins for standalone energy (7.5p/kWh EV rates) and green credentials, while UW dominates for bundled savings (£1,640/year with 3 services). Compare your exact usage →
🏆 Where Utility Warehouse Wins
- Bundled discounts: Save £80/year vs price cap with energy + 2 services
- Price protection: Fixed tariffs from £1,640 (vs Ofgem’s £1,720 cap)
- Perks: Free Energy Days + £400 termination coverage
- Switching speed: 2-5 days vs Octopus’ 7-10 days
🐙 Where Octopus Energy Wins
- EV charging: 7.5p/kWh overnight (vs UW’s variable off-peak)
- Green energy: 100% renewable (vs UW’s 50%)
- Smart tariffs: Tracker rates average 30% below cap
- Customer rewards: Octoplus gives £1,000+ annual benefits
Industry Recognition: UW is one of only 3 energy providers rated “Recommended” by Which? in 2024.
Detailed Breakdown
1. Pricing & Tariffs
📊 Cost Comparison (Typical Dual-Fuel Household)
British Gas’ Hidden Fees (Add to “Pricing” Section):
“British Gas’ ‘Cap Tracker’ tariff saves £50 vs the cap but has exit fees (£30 per fuel). UW has no exit fees, ever.”
Utility Warehouse vs Octopus Energy: 2025 Price Comparison
| Tariff Type | Utility Warehouse | Octopus Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Fixed |
£1,640/year (3-service bundle required) |
£1,642/year (No bundle needed) |
| Variable Rate | £1,668/year (2-service bundle) |
£1,683/year (Flexible Octopus) |
| EV Off-Peak Rate | Variable discount (Midnight-5am) |
7.5p/kWh (Midnight-7am, fixed) |
| Daily Standing Charge | 45p (electric) 27p (gas) |
42p (electric) 26p (gas) |
| Potential Savings |
£80/year vs price cap + Free Energy Days (24/year) |
Up to 30% with Agile + Octoplus rewards |
Based on Ofgem’s typical usage (2,900kWh electricity, 12,000kWh gas).
UW bundle requires energy + broadband + mobile. Updated July 2025.
EV Charging Reality Check: While British Gas offers 7.9p/kWh overnight rates, UW’s bundled savings often offset this entirely. Adding UW broadband (save £180/year vs BT) typically outweighs EV charging savings alone.
Key Insights:
- UW requires bundling for best rates (e.g., add UW broadband)
- Octopus’ Agile tariff can save 30% for flexible users
- Both beat Ofgem’s £1,720 cap
Why UW Beats British Gas for Most Homes
- No broadband/mobile switch needed: UW bundles eliminate separate provider hassles.
- Price certainty: UW’s fixed tariffs (£1,640) undercut British Gas’ typical £1,720 cap rates.
- Free Energy Days: 24 days/year credit vs British Gas’ limited PeakSave Sundays.
UW’s Price Guarantee: If UW isn’t cheaper in Year 1, we’ll pay you double the difference – a commitment British Gas doesn’t match.
Octopus Leads On:
- Trustpilot (4.8/5 vs UW’s 4.1)
- Innovation (Octoplus rewards, saving sessions)
UW Leads On:
- Bundled convenience (energy + mobile)
- Faster switching (2-5 days vs 7-10)
🏆 UW’s Verified Awards & Ratings (July 2025)
Trustpilot
★★★★☆ 4.1/5
63,617 reviews
Verified July 15, 2025
Which?
✅ Recommended Provider
Energy Companies 2024
Verified Report
Uswitch
🏆 Best Value for Money
Energy Awards 2024
Award List
Independent verification: All awards and ratings confirmed via official sources as of July 2025. UW has won 80+ industry awards since 2015 (Full list).
Switch in 2 Days & Save £80+/year
Get UW QuoteFAQs
Is UW really cheaper than Octopus?
Only if you bundle. UW’s 3-service bundle (£1,640) beats Octopus’ cheapest standalone tariff (£1,642), but Octopus wins for single-service energy.
Which has better green credentials?
Octopus provides 100% renewable electricity (vs UW’s 50%) and invests heavily in wind/solar projects.
Final Recommendation
Choose Utility Warehouse if you:
✅ Want to bundle services (energy + broadband)
✅ Prefer fixed rates below the price cap
✅ Value fast switching (2-5 days)
Choose Octopus Energy if you:
✅ Drive an EV (better overnight rates)
✅ Want 100% renewable energy
✅ Like innovative tariffs (e.g., Agile)