---
title: UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker – August 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Energy Suppliers
period: August 2026
coverage_start: '2026-08-01'
coverage_end: '2026-08-31'
date_published: '2026-09-01'
last_updated: '2026-09-01'
organisations: 10
articles_analysed: 1093
mentions: 625
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/data.json
summary: Octopus Energy had the highest average monthly share of coverage (25.1%)
  among 10 suppliers in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead
  of British Gas / Centrica (16.2%) and EDF (13.9%).
---

# UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker: August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026)

> Octopus Energy had the highest average monthly share of coverage (25.1%) among 10 suppliers in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of British Gas / Centrica (16.2%) and EDF (13.9%). Octopus Energy had the most favourable net tone (+49). Omniscan analysed 1,093 articles containing 625 mentions of the suppliers tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08

## UK Energy Suppliers ranking by share of coverage, August 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Octopus Energy | 25.1% | 157 | 52% | 45% | 3% | +49 |
| 2 | British Gas / Centrica | 16.2% | 101 | 22% | 60% | 18% | +4 |
| 3 | EDF | 13.9% | 87 | 22% | 70% | 8% | +14 |
| 4 | ScottishPower | 11.7% | 73 | 36% | 52% | 12% | +23 |
| 5 | E.ON Next | 9.0% | 56 | 32% | 63% | 5% | +27 |
| 6 | OVO | 6.1% | 38 | 8% | 79% | 13% | −5 |
| 7 | Utilita | 5.0% | 31 | 10% | 90% | 0% | +10 |
| 8 | Good Energy | 4.6% | 29 | 24% | 76% | 0% | +24 |
| 9 | Ecotricity | 4.3% | 27 | 7% | 93% | 0% | +7 |
| 10 | So Energy | 4.2% | 26 | 8% | 84% | 8% | 0 |

## Suppliers in detail

### Octopus Energy

**Octopus leads despite sharp shifts in monthly visibility**

Octopus Energy ranked 1st of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (25.1%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 157 mentions and a net tone of +49.

August restored first place, with the solar-eclipse flexibility scheme, plug-in solar panels and Weekend Happy Hours placing household energy management at the centre of coverage. August 2026: share rose 4.6 points to 25.1% and rank returned to first; contemporaneous Guardian reporting covered rewards for shifting electricity use during the solar eclipse. August 2026: Octopus launched plug-in solar-panel kits for British households following regulatory changes, reported by GB News. Octopus Energy launched Weekend Happy Hours, offering eligible Octoplus members an hour of free weekend electricity after reducing weekday consumption in two designated sessions. The scheme runs to the end of October 2026. The article addresses common misconceptions about domestic heat pumps and their operating costs, installation and noise. It cites Octopus Energy's heat-pump installation offer and says its customers using a Cosy Octopus tariff reported annual savings versus a gas boiler.

Key messages:

- Octopus Energy launched Weekend Happy Hours, offering eligible Octoplus members an hour of free weekend electricity after reducing weekday consumption in two designated sessions. The scheme runs to the end of October 2026.
- The article addresses common misconceptions about domestic heat pumps and their operating costs, installation and noise. It cites Octopus Energy's heat-pump installation offer and says its customers using a Cosy Octopus tariff reported annual savings versus a gas boiler.
- Octopus Energy has launched plug-in solar-panel kits for British households from £450 following regulatory changes permitting the technology. The supplier says the portable DIY systems could reduce household bills by up to £150 annually and may later integrate with its Nook Cube battery.
- Octopus Energy's heat-pump specialist explains how families can schedule heating and stored hot water around busy household routines. The article outlines Octopus's Cosy heat pump guidance on cylinder sizing and steadier heating operation.
- A customer said an Octopus-installed heat pump left parts of their home at 12°C, increased bills and was poorly handled through the complaints process. Octopus agreed to improve insulation and heat retention, refund £4,000 and review its after-care service.

Leading themes:

- Smart Meters, Heat Pumps & Home Tech: 44.6% of Octopus Energy's coverage (theme index 5.09, net tone +70)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 19.7% of Octopus Energy's coverage (theme index 1.04, net tone +39)
- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 15.9% of Octopus Energy's coverage (theme index 0.37, net tone +4)

Notable positive coverage:

- 10 August 2026, bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk: [UK energy supplier to give away free electricity during solar eclipse](https://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/26450802.octopus-energy-give-away-electricity-solar-eclipse/). Octopus Energy will reward customers who cut electricity use during the solar eclipse with an hour of free electricity. The offer is available through Octoplus and Savings Sessions.
- 31 August 2026, independent.co.uk: [7 common heat pump myths - and the truth behind them](https://www.independent.co.uk/home-improvement/heat-pump-myths-facts-b3042065.html). The article addresses common misconceptions about domestic heat pumps and their operating costs, installation and noise. It cites Octopus Energy's heat-pump installation offer and says its customers using a Cosy Octopus tariff reported annual savings versus a gas boiler.
- 28 August 2026, gbnews.com: [Octopus Energy unveils major plug-in solar panel announcement: 'Everyone can shrink their bill!'](https://www.gbnews.com/money/octopus-energy-plug-in-solar-panel-bill). Octopus Energy has launched plug-in solar-panel kits for British households from £450 following regulatory changes permitting the technology. The supplier says the portable DIY systems could reduce household bills by up to £150 annually and may later integrate with its Nook Cube battery.

Notable negative coverage:

- 13 August 2026, thisismoney.co.uk: [We spent £11,500 on a heat pump but it wouldn't warm some rooms in our home above 12 degrees: CRANE ON THE CASE](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-16046667/We-spent-11-500-heat-pump-wouldnt-warm-rooms-home-12-degrees-CRANE-CASE.html). A customer said an Octopus-installed heat pump left parts of their home at 12°C, increased bills and was poorly handled through the complaints process. Octopus agreed to improve insulation and heat retention, refund £4,000 and review its after-care service.

- [Octopus Energy deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=octopusenergy&view=deep-dive)
- [Octopus Energy PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/octopusenergy.pdf)

### British Gas / Centrica

**British Gas traded the lead as its news agenda shifted**

British Gas / Centrica ranked 2nd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (16.2%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 101 mentions and a net tone of +4.

In August 2026, British Gas / Centrica recorded 101 mentions, 16.2% of cohort coverage and rank #2, with net sentiment of +4. Coverage focused on Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty. August 2026: share fell 11.0 points to 16.2% and rank moved from first to second; contemporaneous reporting included serious billing errors and the warning about low winter gas storage. August 2026: British Gas mistakenly paid a solar customer more than £38,000 and delayed correcting the payment — The Guardian. British Gas explains the operational and efficiency differences between gas boilers and electric heat pumps. It promotes its Heat Pump tariff and directs households to request a quote. British Gas is giving away 30 plug-in solar kits and plans to introduce its own products after the technology became legal across Great Britain. It also intends to pay eligible customers for surplus electricity exported to the grid.

Key messages:

- British Gas explains the operational and efficiency differences between gas boilers and electric heat pumps. It promotes its Heat Pump tariff and directs households to request a quote.
- British Gas is giving away 30 plug-in solar kits and plans to introduce its own products after the technology became legal across Great Britain. It also intends to pay eligible customers for surplus electricity exported to the grid.
- British Gas is recruiting apprentice gas service and repair engineers, with training provided and pay rising after programme completion. The roles involve maintaining and repairing household gas heating systems.
- British Gas mistakenly paid a solar customer more than £38,000 instead of a £300 feed-in-tariff payment, then delayed recovering the funds and correcting the payment. The article also reports erroneous bills and a credit-file default after another customer had disconnected their gas supply.
- A British Gas customer says an incorrect meter reading led to a £19,700 direct-debit payment being taken instead of a typical £200 monthly bill. The supplier admitted the error, but the customer said a refund had not been made a month later.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 33.7% of British Gas / Centrica's coverage (theme index 0.92, net tone +9)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 17.8% of British Gas / Centrica's coverage (theme index 0.92, net tone +11)
- Customer Service, Complaints & Billing: 13.9% of British Gas / Centrica's coverage (theme index 7.26, net tone −93)

Notable positive coverage:

- 25 August 2026, dailypost.co.uk: [British Gas message for customers making 'big decision' over heating](https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/british-gas-message-customers-making-34515196). British Gas issued guidance to households considering replacing gas boilers with heat pumps. It outlined differences in installation costs, efficiency, lifespan and available heat-pump tariffs.
- 30 August 2026, express.co.uk: [UK households can save £110 on energy bills with free gadget - act before Septem](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2243885/uk-households-can-save-110). British Gas is offering 30 households a chance to receive plug-in solar kits, which it estimates could save up to £110 a year on bills. Eligible British Gas customers may also receive payments for exported surplus electricity.
- 28 August 2026, independent.co.uk: [British Gas is giving away 30 plug-in solar kits - here's what to know](https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/british-gas-plug-in-solar-kits-giveaway-b3041092.html). British Gas is giving away 30 plug-in solar kits and plans to introduce its own products after the technology became legal across Great Britain. It also intends to pay eligible customers for surplus electricity exported to the grid.

Notable negative coverage:

- 17 August 2026, theguardian.com: [British Gas paid me £38,000 by mistake, and I can't give it back](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/17/british-gas-mistake-energy-solar-panels). British Gas mistakenly paid a solar customer more than £38,000 instead of a £300 feed-in-tariff payment, then delayed recovering the funds and correcting the payment. The article also reports erroneous bills and a credit-file default after another customer had disconnected their gas supply.
- 17 August 2026, telegraph.co.uk: [British Gas threatened disabled pensioner with court over £2k bill error](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/british-gas-threatened-disabled-pensioner-incorrect-bill/). British Gas allegedly threatened a disabled pensioner with court action over a £2,000 billing error.
- 25 August 2026, thisismoney.co.uk: [British Gas took £19,700 from my account: SALLY SORTS IT](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-16077969/electricity-bill-British-Gas-paid-SALLY-SORTS-IT.html). A British Gas customer says an incorrect meter reading led to a £19,700 direct-debit payment being taken instead of a typical £200 monthly bill. The supplier admitted the error, but the customer said a refund had not been made a month later.

- [British Gas / Centrica deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=britishgas&view=deep-dive)
- [British Gas / Centrica PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/britishgas.pdf)

### EDF

**EDF ranks third amid nuclear, tariff and customer-support coverage**

EDF ranked 3rd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (13.9%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 87 mentions and a net tone of +14.

In August 2026, EDF recorded 87 mentions, 13.9% of cohort coverage and rank #3, with net sentiment of +14. Coverage focused on Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty. August 2026: share fell 4 points to 13.9% and volume declined by 45 mentions; contemporaneous coverage included EDF’s 2030 household-bill forecast and its agreement in principle to procure up to 900MW of Nordex turbines. The article reports on an EDF energy-switching offer that can provide eligible frontline workers with up to £85. It focuses on consumer energy deals and switching incentives. EDF's heatwave-relief programme provides eligible UK households with up to £20 of energy credit and packs containing cooling appliances and supplies. Most requests have come from customers with high-risk Priority Services Register conditions.

Key messages:

- The article reports on an EDF energy-switching offer that can provide eligible frontline workers with up to £85. It focuses on consumer energy deals and switching incentives.
- EDF's heatwave-relief programme provides eligible UK households with up to £20 of energy credit and packs containing cooling appliances and supplies. Most requests have come from customers with high-risk Priority Services Register conditions.
- EDF is offering UK air-source heat-pump customers a free seven-year servicing and warranty package worth £750 for purchases before 31 August. It says the offer can combine with government support to reduce installation costs.
- Morson Praxis retained its Hinkley Point C role and secured additional EDF and Sizewell C nuclear engineering framework appointments. The awards broaden its involvement in UK nuclear generation projects.
- Sumitomo took a one-third stake in the proposed 1.5GW Gwynt Glas floating offshore wind project alongside EDF power solutions UK and Ireland and ESB.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 34.5% of EDF's coverage (theme index 0.95, net tone +13)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 25.3% of EDF's coverage (theme index 1.39, net tone +5)
- Renewables, Generation & Net Zero: 23.0% of EDF's coverage (theme index 3.02, net tone +20)

Notable positive coverage:

- 31 August 2026, lincolnshirelive.co.uk: [You can get up to £85 for switching energy deals if you have frontline job](https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/you-can-up-85-switching-11130089). The article reports on an EDF energy-switching offer that can provide eligible frontline workers with up to £85. It focuses on consumer energy deals and switching incentives.
- 13 August 2026, express.co.uk: [EDF hands out free appliances with £100 boost for UK households](https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2238923/edf-hands-out-free-appliances). EDF's heatwave-relief programme provides eligible UK households with up to £20 of energy credit and packs containing cooling appliances and supplies. Most requests have come from customers with high-risk Priority Services Register conditions.
- 17 August 2026, pv-magazine.com: [EDF offers UK customers free seven-year service, warranty on air-source heat pumps](https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/17/edf-offers-uk-customers-free-seven-year-service-warranty-on-air-source-heat-pumps/). EDF is offering UK air-source heat-pump customers a free seven-year servicing and warranty package worth £750 for purchases before 31 August. It says the offer can combine with government support to reduce installation costs.

Notable negative coverage:

- 26 August 2026, independent.co.uk: [Government's flagship Sizewell C nuclear project delayed in road building row](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/sizewell-c-nuclear-project-roads-delay-b3039712.html). Sizewell C's road infrastructure work may be delayed after its original contractor was replaced following a dispute over design-change costs. EDF is an investor in the UK nuclear project, which is expected to generate power for the equivalent of six million homes.
- 21 August 2026, telegraph.co.uk: [EDF: Net zero grid upgrade costs spiralling out of control](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/08/21/net-zero-grid-upgrade-costs-spiralling-out-of-control-edf/). EDF says the costs of upgrading the grid to support net zero are rising sharply.
- 4 August 2026, bbc.co.uk: [Hartlepool nuclear station cleaning balls on beaches](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0l5kln078do). Cleaning balls from EDF Energy's Hartlepool nuclear power station washed up on Redcar beaches. EDF said it had reduced releases but did not answer questions about possible system faults.

- [EDF deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=edf&view=deep-dive)
- [EDF PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/edf.pdf)

### ScottishPower

**ScottishPower gained visibility through infrastructure and customer pressures**

ScottishPower ranked 4th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (11.7%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 73 mentions and a net tone of +23.

August 2026: share rose 1.6 points to 11.7% despite volume declining by one, while rank stayed fourth; stories included completion of all East Anglia THREE foundations and full recycling of Hagshaw Hill wind farm. ScottishPower Renewables and Masdar completed installation of all 95 foundations at the 1.4GW East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm. The project is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026 and supply clean power for more than 1.3 million homes. ScottishPower has fully recycled the Hagshaw Hill wind farm in a UK first. The turbine-reuse project reportedly sent less than 0.1 per cent of material to landfill. ScottishPower became the first energy supplier to receive Plain Numbers Certification for its customer bills. The redesigned bills are intended to make charges and customer actions easier to understand.

Key messages:

- ScottishPower Renewables and Masdar completed installation of all 95 foundations at the 1.4GW East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm. The project is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026 and supply clean power for more than 1.3 million homes.
- ScottishPower has fully recycled the Hagshaw Hill wind farm in a UK first. The turbine-reuse project reportedly sent less than 0.1 per cent of material to landfill.
- ScottishPower became the first energy supplier to receive Plain Numbers Certification for its customer bills. The redesigned bills are intended to make charges and customer actions easier to understand.
- ScottishPower Renewables has agreed a five-year operations and maintenance contract with RES for 15 UK onshore wind farms totalling 588MW. The agreement is expected to create 32 jobs and support wind-farm availability.
- Conservation and community campaigners warn that ScottishPower Renewables' proposed MachairWind project could harm island landscapes and seascapes.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 31.5% of ScottishPower's coverage (theme index 0.86, net tone −4)
- Renewables, Generation & Net Zero: 30.1% of ScottishPower's coverage (theme index 4.27, net tone +77)
- Policy & Regulation (Ofgem / DESNZ): 12.3% of ScottishPower's coverage (theme index 4.86, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 18 August 2026, aa.com.tr: [ScottishPower, Masdar complete foundation installation at 1.4GW UK offshore wind project](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/energy/renewable/scottishpower-masdar-complete-foundation-installation-at-14gw-uk-offshore-wind-project/59103). ScottishPower Renewables and Masdar completed all foundation installations for the 1.4GW East Anglia THREE offshore wind project. The wind farm is expected to supply the equivalent electricity needs of more than 1.3 million UK homes.
- 30 August 2026, thetimes.com: [ScottishPower fully recycles Hagshaw Hill wind farm in UK first](https://www.thetimes.com/business/energy/article/scottishpower-recycles-hagshaw-hill-wind-farm-uk-first-wsp3fmrts). ScottishPower has fully recycled the Hagshaw Hill wind farm in a UK first. The turbine-reuse project reportedly sent less than 0.1 per cent of material to landfill.
- 20 August 2026, express.co.uk: [Energy provider to make major change to energy bills for all customers](https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2241052/energy-provider-major-bills-change). ScottishPower became the first energy supplier to receive Plain Numbers Certification for its customer bills. The redesigned bills are intended to make charges and customer actions easier to understand.

Notable negative coverage:

- 11 August 2026, standard.co.uk: [Wind farm could have 'significant' impact on islands, conservation chiefs warn](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/islay-scottish-government-cave-national-trust-b1293028.html). Conservation and community campaigners warn that ScottishPower Renewables' proposed MachairWind project could harm island landscapes and seascapes.
- 15 August 2026, glasgowlive.co.uk: [Firefighters rush to blaze at electrical substation as thousands of homes suffer outage](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/firefighters-rush-blaze-electrical-substation-34465803). A fire at a Bellshill electrical substation caused outages across 64 postcodes in the Glasgow area. Scottish Power said the supply fault was repaired and apologised for disruption.
- 10 August 2026, heraldscotland.com: [Fife villagers say they're battling Scottish Power and St Andrews University](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/26443218.guardbridge-battle-proposed-electrical-substation/). Residents in Guardbridge object to ScottishPower Energy Networks’ proposed substation location, citing noise, visual and residential impacts. SPEN says the site is the most suitable option and includes mitigation measures.

- [ScottishPower deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=scottishpower&view=deep-dive)
- [ScottishPower PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/scottishpower.pdf)

### E.ON Next

**E.ON’s OVO agreement coincided with E.ON Next’s year-to-date visibility high**

E.ON Next ranked 5th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (9.0%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 56 mentions and a net tone of +27.

August’s share was 9.0%, with hardship-support coverage prominent alongside lower overnight EV rates, solar growth and first-half earnings. August 2026: EV Fleet World reported E.ON Next’s reduction of overnight EV-charging rates to 6.9p/kWh and 8.5p/kWh. E.ON Next cut overnight rates on its Next Drive Smart and Next Drive Fixed EV tariffs to 6.9p/kWh and 8.5p/kWh respectively. The supplier says the tariffs can reduce household EV-charging costs versus the energy price cap. E.ON launched overnight EV charging tariffs offering electricity at 6.9p/kWh or 8.5p/kWh between midnight and 6am. The discounts require customers to charge vehicles overnight. UK solar installations reached 142,536 in the first half of 2026, putting the market on course for another record year. E.ON Next said solar installations among its customers rose 151% year on year.

Key messages:

- E.ON Next cut overnight rates on its Next Drive Smart and Next Drive Fixed EV tariffs to 6.9p/kWh and 8.5p/kWh respectively. The supplier says the tariffs can reduce household EV-charging costs versus the energy price cap.
- E.ON launched overnight EV charging tariffs offering electricity at 6.9p/kWh or 8.5p/kWh between midnight and 6am. The discounts require customers to charge vehicles overnight.
- UK solar installations reached 142,536 in the first half of 2026, putting the market on course for another record year. E.ON Next said solar installations among its customers rose 151% year on year.
- E.ON reported first-half adjusted core profit of €5.40 billion and adjusted net profit of €1.92 billion, both slightly above forecasts. Growth was driven by its industrial and municipal customer division.
- E.ON Next launched 12- and 24-month fixed tariffs through Compare the Market, priced below the current Ofgem price cap. The offers do not require a smart meter and carry early-exit fees.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 39.3% of E.ON Next's coverage (theme index 1.1, net tone +5)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 33.9% of E.ON Next's coverage (theme index 1.91, net tone +32)
- Smart Meters, Heat Pumps & Home Tech: 12.5% of E.ON Next's coverage (theme index 0.68, net tone +71)

Notable positive coverage:

- 21 August 2026, evfleetworld.co.uk: [E.On Next cuts overnight EV charging to less than 7p](https://evfleetworld.co.uk/e-on-next-cuts-overnight-ev-charging-to-less-than-7p/). E.ON Next cut overnight rates on its Next Drive Smart and Next Drive Fixed EV tariffs to 6.9p/kWh and 8.5p/kWh respectively. The supplier says the tariffs can reduce household EV-charging costs versus the energy price cap.
- 22 August 2026, express.co.uk: [Thousands of British drivers handed 7p-per-house boost - but there's a catch](https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/2241452/british-drivers-electric-car-charging-saving). E.ON launched overnight EV charging tariffs offering electricity at 6.9p/kWh or 8.5p/kWh between midnight and 6am. The discounts require customers to charge vehicles overnight.
- 20 August 2026, thesun.co.uk: [British energy supplier slashes overnight EV charging to less than 7p an hour in boost for 10,000s of drivers](https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/40119300/energy-firm-slashes-ev-charging/). E.ON Next cut its Next Drive Smart overnight EV-charging rate to 6.9p/kWh and its fixed alternative to 8.5p/kWh. The supplier says the tariffs can reduce annual charging costs for eligible home EV drivers.

- [E.ON Next deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=eonnext&view=deep-dive)
- [E.ON Next PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/eonnext.pdf)

### OVO

**OVO visibility surged around sale talks and regulatory failures**

OVO ranked 6th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (6.1%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 38 mentions and a net tone of −5.

In August 2026, OVO recorded 38 mentions, 6.1% of cohort coverage and rank #6, with net sentiment of -5. Coverage focused on Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty. OVO is giving five plug-in solar kits to members of its Beyond customer programme following a UK rule change permitting compliant 800W systems. The supplier says it will introduce further plug-in solar offers later in the year. OVO and Tesco have launched a prize draw offering one OVO Beyond customer one million Tesco Clubcard points. Customers can enter through the OVO app until 20 September 2026. ACORN activists occupied OVO Energy's Bristol office, alleging poor complaints handling and failures affecting vulnerable prepayment-meter customers. OVO said it would work with individual customers, while the article also reports its proposed acquisition by E.ON.

Key messages:

- OVO is giving five plug-in solar kits to members of its Beyond customer programme following a UK rule change permitting compliant 800W systems. The supplier says it will introduce further plug-in solar offers later in the year.
- OVO and Tesco have launched a prize draw offering one OVO Beyond customer one million Tesco Clubcard points. Customers can enter through the OVO app until 20 September 2026.
- ACORN activists occupied OVO Energy's Bristol office, alleging poor complaints handling and failures affecting vulnerable prepayment-meter customers. OVO said it would work with individual customers, while the article also reports its proposed acquisition by E.ON.
- DESNZ said around six million households are expected to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount in winter 2026-27. The rebate is applied directly to bills by participating energy suppliers.
- Martin Lewis advises households on standard variable tariffs to consider fixed deals following Ofgem's price-cap increase and forecasts of a further January rise. The article names major suppliers while explaining that fixed-tariff customers are not directly affected by the cap change.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 60.5% of OVO's coverage (theme index 1.75, net tone +4)
- Smart Meters, Heat Pumps & Home Tech: 13.2% of OVO's coverage (theme index 0.73, net tone 0)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 13.2% of OVO's coverage (theme index 0.67, net tone −40)

Notable positive coverage:

- 27 August 2026, birminghammail.co.uk: [OVO Energy confirms UK law change with freebie announced for households](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/ovo-energy-confirms-uk-law-34526509). OVO is giving five plug-in solar kits to members of its Beyond customer programme following a UK rule change permitting compliant 800W systems. The supplier says it will introduce further plug-in solar offers later in the year.
- 25 August 2026, birminghammail.co.uk: [OVO confirms £20,000 giveaway with September 20 deadline for customers](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/ovo-confirms-20000-giveaway-september-34509896). OVO and Tesco have launched a prize draw offering one OVO Beyond customer one million Tesco Clubcard points. Customers can enter through the OVO app until 20 September 2026.

Notable negative coverage:

- 20 August 2026, bristolpost.co.uk: [Police called as angry Ovo Energy customers occupy head office](https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/police-called-angry-ovo-energy-11119715). ACORN activists occupied OVO's Bristol office, alleging poor complaints handling and failures affecting vulnerable prepayment-meter customers. The article also reports that OVO is being acquired by E.ON, subject to government approval.
- 20 August 2026, uk.news.yahoo.com: [Police called as angry Ovo Energy customers occupy its head office](https://uk.news.yahoo.com/police-called-angry-ovo-energy-143402225.html). ACORN activists occupied OVO Energy's Bristol office, alleging poor complaints handling and failures affecting vulnerable prepayment-meter customers. OVO said it would work with individual customers, while the article also reports its proposed acquisition by E.ON.

- [OVO deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=ovo&view=deep-dive)
- [OVO PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/ovo.pdf)

### Utilita

**Utilita’s visibility strengthened as consumer-cost coverage expanded**

Utilita ranked 7th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (5.0%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 31 mentions and a net tone of +10.

August’s 5.0% share coincided with extensive independent coverage of the Power Price List’s appliance-cost estimates and High5 research on bathing habits. August 2026: share rose 2.7 percentage points to 5.0% and rank improved to seventh; stories included Power Price List reporting on appliance running costs. Utilita commissioned a survey on changing UK bathing habits and promotes shorter showers through its High5 energy-saving tips. The supplier says reducing water use can lower household costs. Utilita's Power Price List estimates that using an air fryer typically costs 15p per session or £28.07 annually under the current Ofgem price cap. It compares this with higher estimated costs and carbon-equivalent mileage for an electric oven. Utilita calculates the running costs of air fryers compared with traditional ovens for average households.

Key messages:

- Utilita commissioned a survey on changing UK bathing habits and promotes shorter showers through its High5 energy-saving tips. The supplier says reducing water use can lower household costs.
- Utilita's Power Price List estimates that using an air fryer typically costs 15p per session or £28.07 annually under the current Ofgem price cap. It compares this with higher estimated costs and carbon-equivalent mileage for an electric oven.
- Utilita calculates the running costs of air fryers compared with traditional ovens for average households.
- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty accounted for 18 mentions in this edition.
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap accounted for 10 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 58.1% of Utilita's coverage (theme index 1.66, net tone 0)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 32.3% of Utilita's coverage (theme index 1.74, net tone +10)
- Other: 6.5% of Utilita's coverage (theme index 1.6, net tone +50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 2 August 2026, mirror.co.uk: [One in 10 Brits haven't had a bath in over a decade as UK bathing habits shift](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/one-10-brits-havent-bath-37505761). Utilita commissioned a survey on changing UK bathing habits and promotes shorter showers through its High5 energy-saving tips. The supplier says reducing water use can lower household costs.
- 2 August 2026, express.co.uk: [1 in 10 Brits haven't bathed in a decade - aiming to save water and cut bills](https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/2235320/one-10-brits-havent-bathed). Utilita commissioned research on household bathing and water-saving habits and promoted shorter showers as a way to reduce bills and water use.
- 31 August 2026, nottinghampost.com: [Households with air fryers face £28 charge each year](https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/uk-world-news/expert-reveals-how-much-you-11135424). Utilita's Power Price List estimates that using an air fryer typically costs 15p per session or £28.07 annually under the current Ofgem price cap. It compares this with higher estimated costs and carbon-equivalent mileage for an electric oven.

- [Utilita deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=utilita&view=deep-dive)
- [Utilita PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/utilita.pdf)

### Good Energy

**Good Energy builds visibility through solar, policy and supply deals**

Good Energy ranked 8th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (4.6%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 29 mentions and a net tone of +24.

In August 2026, Good Energy recorded 29 mentions, 4.6% of cohort coverage and rank #8, with net sentiment of +24. Coverage focused on Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty. Company-focused August reporting instead centred on solar finance with Zopa Bank, household energy technology and further work with Stellium on grid-friendly data-centre operations. Good Energy services managing director Carl Hogg identifies high-consuming household appliances and suggests efficiency measures, rooftop solar and batteries to reduce bills. The article also reports Ofgem's forthcoming October price-cap increase. The article examines the costs, savings and practical restrictions of plug-in solar panels for households. Good Energy's managing director says the technology could make household electricity generation more accessible, particularly for renters and flat residents. Good Energy has launched a solar-panel and battery finance scheme with Zopa Bank, allowing homeowners to pay a 25% deposit and repay the balance over up to 10 years. The article notes that financing increases total installation costs through interest, while solar can reduce purchased electricity and enable export payments.

Key messages:

- Good Energy services managing director Carl Hogg identifies high-consuming household appliances and suggests efficiency measures, rooftop solar and batteries to reduce bills. The article also reports Ofgem's forthcoming October price-cap increase.
- The article examines the costs, savings and practical restrictions of plug-in solar panels for households. Good Energy's managing director says the technology could make household electricity generation more accessible, particularly for renters and flat residents.
- Good Energy has launched a solar-panel and battery finance scheme with Zopa Bank, allowing homeowners to pay a 25% deposit and repay the balance over up to 10 years. The article notes that financing increases total installation costs through interest, while solar can reduce purchased electricity and enable export payments.
- Good Energy and Stellium are discussing joint work to develop more grid-friendly, energy-efficient data-centre operations. Good Energy's commercial director is featured in the report.
- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty accounted for 17 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 58.6% of Good Energy's coverage (theme index 1.67, net tone 0)
- Smart Meters, Heat Pumps & Home Tech: 31.0% of Good Energy's coverage (theme index 1.81, net tone +67)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 6.9% of Good Energy's coverage (theme index 0.35, net tone +50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 29 August 2026, express.co.uk: [I'm an energy boss, 3 appliances are adding some of biggest costs to your bills](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2243179/energy-bills-appliances-bills). Good Energy services managing director Carl Hogg identifies high-consuming household appliances and suggests efficiency measures, rooftop solar and batteries to reduce bills. The article also reports Ofgem's forthcoming October price-cap increase.
- 27 August 2026, express.co.uk: [You can now buy plug-in solar panels for home - verdict on if it's worth it](https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2242594/buy-plug-in-solar-panels-home-worth-it). The article examines the costs, savings and practical restrictions of plug-in solar panels for households. Good Energy's managing director says the technology could make household electricity generation more accessible, particularly for renters and flat residents.
- 26 August 2026, energyvoice.com: [Good Energy launches solar debt initiative to ‘take control of energy bills’](https://www.energyvoice.com/renewables-energy-transition/602954/good-energy-launch-solar-debt-initiative-to-take-control-of-energy-bills/). Good Energy has launched a solar-installation finance initiative with Zopa Bank, allowing homeowners to pay a 25% deposit and spread remaining costs over up to 10 years. The company says the offer will reduce upfront barriers to household solar.

- [Good Energy deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=goodenergy&view=deep-dive)
- [Good Energy PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/goodenergy.pdf)

### Ecotricity

**Ecotricity’s policy voice broadened into practical green-energy projects**

Ecotricity ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (4.3%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 27 mentions and a net tone of +7.

In August 2026, Ecotricity recorded 27 mentions, 4.3% of cohort coverage and rank #9, with net sentiment of +7. Coverage focused on Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty. August 2026: share rose 2.3 points to 4.3% while rank remained ninth; contemporaneous developments included Vince reversing his opposition to new North Sea drilling and advocating price controls. Future Yard renewed its green-energy partnership with Ecotricity for a third year. The venue uses Ecotricity-supplied renewable electricity and carbon-neutralised gas while pursuing operational net zero by 2030. Ecotricity founder Dale Vince has reversed his previous opposition to the Jackdaw and Rosebank projects, saying UK drilling could make economic sense alongside wholesale-energy price controls. The article reports on the pending government decisions over the North Sea fields.

Key messages:

- Future Yard renewed its green-energy partnership with Ecotricity for a third year. The venue uses Ecotricity-supplied renewable electricity and carbon-neutralised gas while pursuing operational net zero by 2030.
- Ecotricity founder Dale Vince has reversed his previous opposition to the Jackdaw and Rosebank projects, saying UK drilling could make economic sense alongside wholesale-energy price controls. The article reports on the pending government decisions over the North Sea fields.
- Ecotricity founder Dale Vince calls for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme's heat-pump funding to be redirected towards rooftop solar, arguing this would reduce household bills more effectively. The article includes counterarguments from the Heat Pump Association and the government's stated savings estimates.
- Ecotricity founder Dale Vince argues for price-controlled North Sea oil and gas through contracts for difference, saying this could lower bills while supporting production and transition. He cites Ecotricity's use of CfDs to build green-energy projects.
- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty accounted for 17 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 63.0% of Ecotricity's coverage (theme index 1.8, net tone 0)
- Renewables, Generation & Net Zero: 14.8% of Ecotricity's coverage (theme index 1.55, net tone +25)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 14.8% of Ecotricity's coverage (theme index 0.76, net tone +25)

Notable positive coverage:

- 21 August 2026, energylivenews.com: [Music venue turns up green energy efforts](https://www.energylivenews.com/2026/08/21/music-venue-turns-up-its-green-energy/). Future Yard renewed its green-energy partnership with Ecotricity for a third year. The venue uses Ecotricity-supplied renewable electricity and carbon-neutralised gas while pursuing operational net zero by 2030.

- [Ecotricity deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=ecotricity&view=deep-dive)
- [Ecotricity PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/ecotricity.pdf)

### So Energy

**So Energy coverage broadened before late-period visibility increased**

So Energy ranked 10th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (4.2%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for August 2026, with 26 mentions and a net tone of 0.

August’s share reached 4.2% while the company remained tenth; contextual stories included repeated Warm Home Discount articles and reports of Blue Light Card switching incentives. August 2026: Share increased to 4.2%. The article explains eligibility for the £150 Warm Home Discount and warns that eligible households may miss out if the benefit recipient is not named on the energy account. It lists 24 participating suppliers and reports Ofgem's latest price-cap increase. EDF, ESB and Sumitomo will hold equal stakes in a proposed Celtic Sea floating offshore wind project. The partners expect to seek planning consent in 2028, with operations envisaged in the late 2030s. Independent editorial coverage reported So Energy’s multi-year Calisen contract for meter-reading and site-visit services, intended to improve data quality, billing and customer insight.

Key messages:

- The article explains eligibility for the £150 Warm Home Discount and warns that eligible households may miss out if the benefit recipient is not named on the energy account. It lists 24 participating suppliers and reports Ofgem's latest price-cap increase.
- EDF, ESB and Sumitomo will hold equal stakes in a proposed Celtic Sea floating offshore wind project. The partners expect to seek planning consent in 2028, with operations envisaged in the late 2030s.
- The Warm Home Discount will continue through winter 2030/31, providing eligible households with £150 off electricity bills each year. The scheme covers customers of 24 participating suppliers across Great Britain.
- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty accounted for 17 mentions in this edition.
- Market Share & Switching accounted for 4 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 65.4% of So Energy's coverage (theme index 1.87, net tone 0)
- Market Share & Switching: 15.4% of So Energy's coverage (theme index 5.12, net tone +25)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 11.5% of So Energy's coverage (theme index 0.59, net tone −33)

- [So Energy deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08?entity=soenergy&view=deep-dive)
- [So Energy PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08/reports/soenergy.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Energy Suppliers editions

- [UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1.md)
- [UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-07.md)
- [UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker – September 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-09.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker", August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026), published 1 September 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08