Side-by-Side Comparison
This comparison uses verified data for Octopus Energy. British Gas data is based on publicly available information — we encourage readers to check British Gas's current offerings independently for the most up-to-date details.
| Category | Octopus Energy | British Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.8/5 (779K+ reviews) | Significantly lower |
| Which? Recommended | 9 consecutive years | Not currently recommended |
| Green Electricity | 100% zero-carbon (0 g/kWh) | Partial renewable mix |
| Smart Tariffs | Agile, Tracker, Go, Cosy, Flux | Limited smart options |
| Exit Fees (variable) | None | May apply on some tariffs |
| Refund Speed | 1–2 days | Typically longer |
| Smart Meter Innovation | Intelligent tariff integration | Standard functionality |
| UK Market Share | 23.7% (7.3M households) | Declining from historical levels |
| Renewable Investment | 240+ projects, £6bn assets | Some investment |
| Rewards Programme | Octoplus (bill discounts, perks) | British Gas Rewards |
Customer Service
This is where the gap between Octopus and British Gas is most striking. Octopus Energy holds a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from 779,118 reviews — an extraordinary score for an energy supplier and one of the highest of any major UK company in any industry. They've been Which? Recommended Provider for 9 consecutive years and have won Uswitch Supplier of the Year.
British Gas, as a legacy Big Six supplier, has historically received lower customer satisfaction scores on independent review platforms. While they've made improvements in recent years, the gap remains substantial. Octopus's refund turnaround of 1–2 days is also significantly faster than industry norms.
Tariff Innovation
Octopus Energy offers six innovative smart tariffs that no other supplier matches: Agile (half-hourly pricing), Tracker (daily wholesale), Intelligent Go (EV charging, 68% savings), Cosy (heat pumps, £219/yr savings), Flux (solar + battery), and Outgoing (12p/kWh solar export).
British Gas offers more traditional tariff structures — primarily fixed and variable rates. While they have introduced some smart features, the breadth and depth of Octopus's tariff portfolio is unmatched. For EV owners, solar panel owners, and heat pump households, the difference is particularly significant. See our full tariff comparison for details.
Green Energy
Octopus Energy delivers 100% zero-carbon electricity as standard — 86.4% renewable and 13.6% nuclear, producing 0 g/kWh carbon emissions versus the UK average of 154 g/kWh. They source from 700+ UK renewable generators, invest in 240+ renewable projects with £6 billion in combined assets, and have committed £15 billion to offshore wind.
British Gas sources some of its electricity from renewables but their standard supply mix includes fossil fuels. They do offer specific green tariffs, but these come at a premium. With Octopus, 100% zero-carbon electricity is included on every tariff at no extra cost.
Pricing
Both Octopus Energy and British Gas operate under the Ofgem price cap of £1,641/year for typical households on standard tariffs. This means baseline rates are similar — approximately 27p/kWh for electricity and 6p/kWh for gas.
The difference comes in what else each supplier offers. Octopus's smart tariffs can significantly undercut standard pricing — Intelligent Go saves 68%, Agile can go negative, and Tracker passes wholesale savings directly to you. British Gas's tariff options are more limited. Octopus also charges no exit fees on variable tariffs, while British Gas may apply them on some products.
Our Verdict
On every metric that matters — customer satisfaction, green credentials, tariff innovation, refund speed, and industry recognition — Octopus Energy outperforms British Gas. The gap is widest on customer service (4.8/5 vs significantly lower) and tariff innovation (6+ smart tariffs vs limited options).
British Gas remains a large, established supplier and may suit customers who prefer the familiarity of a legacy brand. But for those seeking the best combination of value, service, and environmental responsibility, Octopus Energy is the clear winner.
Switching from British Gas to Octopus takes about 5 minutes, completes in 2–3 working days, and earns you £50 free credit with our referral link. Read our full Octopus Energy review for more detail.