---
title: UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker – H1 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Energy Suppliers
period: H1 2026
coverage_start: '2026-01-01'
coverage_end: '2026-06-30'
date_published: '2026-09-01'
last_updated: '2026-09-01'
organisations: 10
articles_analysed: 6189
mentions: 3052
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/data.json
summary: Octopus Energy had the highest average monthly share of coverage (27.6%)
  among 10 suppliers in UK earned media from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026, ahead
  of British Gas / Centrica (26.8%) and EDF (16.1%).
---

# UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker: H1 2026 (1 January 2026–30 June 2026)

> Octopus Energy had the highest average monthly share of coverage (27.6%) among 10 suppliers in UK earned media from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026, ahead of British Gas / Centrica (26.8%) and EDF (16.1%). Octopus Energy had the most favourable net tone (+52). Omniscan analysed 6,189 articles containing 3,052 mentions of the suppliers tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1

## UK Energy Suppliers ranking by share of coverage, H1 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Octopus Energy | 27.6% | 841 | 58% | 37% | 5% | +52 |
| 2 | British Gas / Centrica | 26.8% | 799 | 31% | 44% | 25% | +6 |
| 3 | EDF | 16.1% | 489 | 36% | 50% | 14% | +22 |
| 4 | E.ON Next | 9.6% | 297 | 47% | 48% | 5% | +42 |
| 5 | OVO | 7.6% | 236 | 20% | 42% | 38% | −17 |
| 6 | ScottishPower | 7.0% | 222 | 40% | 30% | 30% | +11 |
| 7 | Ecotricity | 1.8% | 55 | 36% | 51% | 13% | +24 |
| 8 | Good Energy | 1.6% | 53 | 43% | 47% | 10% | +34 |
| 9 | Utilita | 1.1% | 34 | 29% | 65% | 6% | +24 |
| 10 | So Energy | 0.8% | 26 | 31% | 46% | 23% | +8 |

## Monthly share of coverage, UK Energy Suppliers

| Organisation | January 2026 | February 2026 | March 2026 | April 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Octopus Energy | 30.1% | 26.9% | 33.6% | 33.0% | 16.0% | 26.0% |
| British Gas / Centrica | 27.4% | 37.4% | 19.7% | 25.3% | 30.5% | 20.6% |
| EDF | 15.8% | 16.3% | 14.9% | 17.7% | 14.1% | 17.8% |
| E.ON Next | 6.1% | 7.8% | 9.6% | 8.6% | 16.5% | 9.1% |
| OVO | 8.2% | 3.0% | 4.8% | 8.4% | 10.9% | 10.3% |
| ScottishPower | 7.0% | 3.8% | 10.1% | 5.1% | 6.8% | 9.1% |
| Ecotricity | 1.5% | 2.0% | 2.1% | 0.5% | 3.0% | 1.4% |
| Good Energy | 0.2% | 1.3% | 3.0% | 0.9% | 0.8% | 3.7% |
| Utilita | 3.2% | 0.5% | 1.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.9% |
| So Energy | 0.4% | 1.0% | 1.2% | 0.2% | 1.1% | 1.1% |

## 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 (27.6%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 841 mentions and a net tone of +52.

Its highest monthly share was 33.6% in March, when pricing, home technology and policy dominated the agenda. January’s leadership combined international expansion through the Bitong venture in China with scrutiny of Kraken’s separation and prospective listing. February’s lower share coincided with a broader renewables agenda, including acquisitions in Australia and a near-$1bn Californian investment programme. Coverage in March and April centred on wholesale-market disruption, fixed-tariff exit fees, household technology, smart-meter disputes and EV-tariff pricing. May brought the weakest competitive position, alongside company-focused reporting on European wind acquisitions, carbon removal, free-electricity sessions and Tenant Power. Octopus returned to first place in June, when stories included its Nook home batteries, CATL truck battery-swapping partnership, capital buffer and calls for pension reform. Visibility peaked in March 2026 at 33.6%, compared with 16% in May 2026. January 2026: Octopus launched the Bitong renewable-power trading venture with PCG Power in China, reported by The Times. February 2026: share fell 3.2 points to 26.9% and rank moved from first to second; contemporaneous reporting included Bloomberg’s account of Australian battery and solar acquisitions. March 2026: share rose 6.7 points to 33.6% and Octopus returned to first place; contemporaneous Independent reporting covered wholesale-market turmoil and changes to fixed tariffs and exit fees.

Key messages:

- Visibility peaked in March 2026 at 33.6%, compared with 16% in May 2026.
- January 2026: Octopus launched the Bitong renewable-power trading venture with PCG Power in China, reported by The Times.
- The article reviews Octopus Energy's domestic solar-panel, battery and export-tariff offering, including installation, warranties, estimated savings and grant routes. It notes Octopus's growth in UK household supply and its broader home-energy technology proposition.
- Octopus Energy founder Greg Jackson said London would be the preferred venue for a potential Kraken Technologies IPO if UK capital-market conditions improve. Kraken recently received a £25m British Business Bank investment and was valued at $8.65bn in a December fundraising.
- The UK government will take a £25 million stake in Kraken, the technology business being spun out of Octopus Energy. The investment is intended to support Kraken's growth and encourage a future London stock-market listing.
- Octopus Energy's Australian arm has acquired two Australian battery and solar projects worth more than A$3 billion. The deals expand the UK group's overseas renewable-generation and storage portfolio.

Leading themes:

- Smart Meters, Heat Pumps & Home Tech: 30.3% of Octopus Energy's coverage (theme index 3.35, net tone +79)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 23.5% of Octopus Energy's coverage (theme index 0.82, net tone +24)
- Renewables, Generation & Net Zero: 11.9% of Octopus Energy's coverage (theme index 0.89, net tone +60)

Notable positive coverage:

- 7 January 2026, independent.co.uk: [I researched Octopus' solar panels - here's what homeowners should know](https://www.independent.co.uk/home-improvement/solar-panels/octopus-solar-panels-b2896230.html). The article reviews Octopus Energy's domestic solar-panel, battery and export-tariff offering, including installation, warranties, estimated savings and grant routes. It notes Octopus's growth in UK household supply and its broader home-energy technology proposition.
- 19 January 2026, cityam.com: [Greg Jackson: London IPO a 'no brainer' if capital flows reverse](https://www.cityam.com/greg-jackson-ipo-no-brainer/). Octopus Energy founder Greg Jackson said London would be the preferred venue for a potential Kraken Technologies IPO if UK capital-market conditions improve. Kraken recently received a £25m British Business Bank investment and was valued at $8.65bn in a December fundraising.
- 20 January 2026, ft.com: [UK government to take £25mn stake in Octopus Energy's tech arm Kraken](https://www.ft.com/content/6d29dab0-c18d-4244-ba89-c5a4bb40e516). The UK government will take a £25 million stake in Kraken, the technology business being spun out of Octopus Energy. The investment is intended to support Kraken's growth and encourage a future London stock-market listing.

Notable negative coverage:

- 6 March 2026, readingchronicle.co.uk: [Energy markets ‘in turmoil’, says Octopus Energy boss](https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/national/25913226.energy-markets-in-turmoil-says-octopus-energy-boss/). Octopus Energy's chief executive says wholesale gas prices have roughly doubled amid Middle East conflict. The supplier increased fixed-tariff prices and added exit fees for new fixed deals.
- 5 March 2026, liverpoolecho.co.uk: [Octopus Energy slaps on fee amid Iran war as customers call it 'shameful'](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/octopus-energy-slaps-fee-amid-33533761). Octopus Energy introduced and rapidly increased exit fees for new fixed tariffs amid volatile wholesale energy prices. Customers criticised the move, while the supplier said the charges allow it to maintain cheaper fixed rates and protect existing customers' terms.
- 24 April 2026, gbnews.com: [Octopus Energy customers furious amid upcoming price rises as Martin Lewis responds](https://www.gbnews.com/money/octopus-energy-customers-furious-price-rises-martin-lewis). Octopus Energy is increasing rates on certain EV tariffs with around 10 days’ notice, prompting customer criticism. The company says the tariffs remain substantially below the price cap for typical users.

- [Octopus Energy deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=octopusenergy&view=deep-dive)
- [Octopus Energy PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/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 (26.8%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 799 mentions and a net tone of +6.

January’s 27.4% share combined energy-saving and severe-weather guidance with independent reporting on a delayed £1,500 refund. February brought the period’s highest share, 37.4%, alongside reporting on falling household-supply profit, Centrica’s paused buyback and Chris O’Shea’s £3.6 million awards. The share then fell to 19.7% in March as pricing dominated the agenda; stories included O’Shea’s warning about potentially inescapable bill rises and the advertising regulator’s ban on British Gas and Hive savings claims. April’s recovery to 25.3% included a £1,610 fixed tariff, a £40 million Energy Trust commitment and a wrongly issued £571 bill. British Gas returned to first place at 30.5% in May amid extensive independent reporting on its prepayment-meter settlement. Its share fell to 20.6% in June; stories included tariff launches, smart-meter rollout, solar generation and proposed customer-service job changes, broadening the subject mix. January 2026: British Gas took 15 months to refund more than £1,500 after an Ombudsman ruling — BBC. February 2026: share rose 10.0 points to 37.4% and rank improved from second to first; stories included British Gas’s profit decline and Centrica’s paused buyback. February 2026: British Gas household-supply operating profit fell 39%, with warm weather and fixed-tariff switching cited — The Independent.

Key messages:

- January 2026: British Gas took 15 months to refund more than £1,500 after an Ombudsman ruling — BBC.
- Centrica has committed £2.4 million over three years to Multibank to expand support for families experiencing material and fuel poverty. The partnership includes British Gas Energy Trust support for energy debt, emergency fuel vouchers and essential household goods.
- British Gas launched a £1,610 fixed tariff for new and existing customers, available through Compare the Market until 17 April. It was reported as below the April price cap and forecast July cap, with £50 exit fees per fuel.
- British Gas launched its 13-month PeakSave Super Saturday tariff, offering half-price electricity from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. The article also describes the supplier’s Samsung Weekend Saver offer for eligible smart-meter customers.
- British Gas has launched its two-year Fix&Fall tariff, which lowers rates after a year if the Ofgem price cap falls. The supplier also highlights a £40 million support package for households struggling with bills.
- Ofgem said British Gas owner Centrica will pay £20 million into a redress fund over non-consensual prepayment-meter installations affecting vulnerable customers. British Gas will also provide compensation, review records and write off up to £70 million of customer energy debt.

Leading themes:

- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 26.5% of British Gas / Centrica's coverage (theme index 0.96, net tone +33)
- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 17.1% of British Gas / Centrica's coverage (theme index 1.57, net tone −21)
- Corporate, Financial Results & M&A: 13.6% of British Gas / Centrica's coverage (theme index 1.19, net tone −14)

Notable positive coverage:

- 13 February 2026, uk.finance.yahoo.com: [Energy giant Centrica announces £2.4m partnership with charity Multibank](https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/energy-giant-centrica-announces-2-000100906.html). Centrica has committed £2.4 million over three years to charity Multibank to support families facing material and fuel poverty. The initiative links Multibank with the British Gas Energy Trust's energy-debt relief, fuel-voucher and white-goods support.
- 16 April 2026, thisismoney.co.uk: [British Gas launches fixed energy tariff £250 below predicted July price cap - but be quick if you want to sign up](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-15739511/british-gas-launches-fixed-energy-tariff-predicted-price-cap.html). British Gas launched a £1,610 fixed tariff for new and existing customers, available through Compare the Market until 17 April. It was reported as below the April price cap and forecast July cap, with £50 exit fees per fuel.
- 17 April 2026, gbnews.com: [British Gas launches new tariff £250 below predicted July price cap - but deadline to apply looms](https://www.gbnews.com/money/british-gas-fixed-tariff-july-price-cap). British Gas launched a £1,610 fixed tariff available through Compare the Market until 17 April. The deal is below the April price cap and forecast July cap, with £50 exit fees per fuel.

Notable negative coverage:

- 15 May 2026, reuters.com: [British Gas owner Centrica to pay $27 million after prepay meter probe](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/british-gas-owner-centrica-pay-27-million-after-prepay-meter-probe-2026-05-15/). Ofgem said British Gas owner Centrica will pay £20 million into a redress fund over non-consensual prepayment-meter installations affecting vulnerable customers. British Gas will also provide compensation, review records and write off up to £70 million of customer energy debt.
- 19 February 2026, independent.co.uk: [British Gas profits tumble as household supply arm sees £80m warm weather hit](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/centrica-british-gas-ireland-holly-williams-b2923386.html). Centrica's annual earnings nearly halved as British Gas's household supply profits fell 39%, affected by warm weather and customers choosing cheaper fixed tariffs. Its UK household customer base rose to 7.5 million, partly due to transfers from failed suppliers.
- 12 June 2026, itv.com: [Union says workers ‘being replaced by AI’ as British Gas cuts 500 jobs](https://www.itv.com/news/2026-06-12/union-says-workers-being-replaced-by-ai-as-british-gas-cuts-500-jobs). British Gas is consulting on changes that could affect 500 customer-service roles as customers increasingly use digital channels. The GMB alleges jobs are being replaced by AI, while the company disputes this and cites falling inbound contact volumes.

- [British Gas / Centrica deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=britishgas&view=deep-dive)
- [British Gas / Centrica PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/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 (16.1%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 489 mentions and a net tone of +22.

January presented a broad agenda spanning generation, tariffs and billing, including Sizewell B life-extension plans, a price increase and a disputed customer debt. February’s independent coverage examined EDF’s planned £15bn UK investment alongside higher Hinkley Point C costs and a €2.5bn impairment. In March, volume rose by 25 mentions but share fell by 1.4 points as the wider cohort expanded; stories included EDF’s forecast for higher winter bills and its agreement to optimise the Eccles battery project. April’s 2.8-point share recovery coincided with reporting on Springwell solar consent, grid constraints and the Sunday Saver and FreePhase offers. May brought EDF’s only fourth-place position, alongside coverage of its customer-support fund, a fixed tariff available only until 4pm that day and scrutiny of its nuclear delivery record. January 2026: EDF sought a revenue-certainty contract for a 20-year Sizewell B extension, reported by thetimes.com. June 2026: share rose 3.7 points to 17.8% and EDF returned to third; reporting included Sizewell B extension negotiations and the joint Cottam reactor proposal. February 2026: EDF reported lower annual profit and a €2.5bn Hinkley Point C impairment, covered by reuters.com. March 2026: the Scottish government approved EDF’s 91.8MW Dunside wind farm, reported by bbc.com.

Key messages:

- January 2026: EDF sought a revenue-certainty contract for a 20-year Sizewell B extension, reported by thetimes.com.
- EDF will use Jumptech's software platform to manage and scale its UK residential solar-installation programme. The platform will support EDF's surveys, scheduling, compliance and subcontractor management for its domestic clean-technology offering.
- EDF and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority have completed defuelling at Hinkley Point B, which has been verified as fuel-free by the nuclear regulator. The site is due to transfer to the NDA for decommissioning in 2026.
- EDF power solutions UK awarded Ventus Energy four-year high-voltage management and support contracts across five UK renewable and storage sites. The agreements cover offshore wind farms and battery-storage assets.
- EDF launched a one-year fixed tariff priced at £1,689 for a typical direct-debit household, described as the cheapest among major suppliers. The deal was available to new and existing customers only until 4pm that day.
- EDF is seeking a revenue-certainty contract to support investment that could extend Sizewell B's operating life from 2035 to 2055. EDF and Centrica say they could invest around £800m in the extension, while EDF is also reviewing the lifetimes of its AGR stations.

Leading themes:

- Renewables, Generation & Net Zero: 33.7% of EDF's coverage (theme index 3.78, net tone +22)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 32.1% of EDF's coverage (theme index 1.21, net tone +44)
- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 8.2% of EDF's coverage (theme index 0.61, net tone +5)

Notable positive coverage:

- 8 January 2026, solarpowerportal.co.uk: [Jumptech software to support EDF UK home solar installations](https://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/residential-solar/jumptech-software-to-support-edf-uk-home-solar-installations). EDF will use Jumptech's software platform to manage and scale its UK residential solar-installation programme. The platform will support EDF's surveys, scheduling, compliance and subcontractor management for its domestic clean-technology offering.
- 13 January 2026, gov.uk: [NDA group and EDF deliver successful AGR defueling milestone](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nda-group-and-edf-deliver-successful-agr-defueling-milestone). EDF and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority have completed defuelling at Hinkley Point B, which has been verified as fuel-free by the nuclear regulator. The site is due to transfer to the NDA for decommissioning in 2026.
- 14 January 2026, renews.biz: [Ventus Energy wins EDF HV service deals](https://renews.biz/107402/ventus-energy-wins-edf-hv-service-deals/). EDF power solutions UK awarded Ventus Energy four-year high-voltage management and support contracts across five UK renewable and storage sites. The agreements cover offshore wind farms and battery-storage assets.

Notable negative coverage:

- 15 June 2026, bbc.com: [Companies failed to protect Torness workers from asbestos - watchdog](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnv9zee663yo). The nuclear watchdog found that EDF and a contractor failed to manage asbestos risks adequately at Torness power station and ordered improvements. EDF said it did not believe an actual exposure occurred and is changing its processes.
- 18 June 2026, thisismoney.co.uk: [I've been told to pay £4,763 energy debt ran up by person with my name](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-15906827/Someone-ran-4-763-EDF-energy-debt-says-pay-bill-CRANE-CASE.html). EDF pursued a person for a £4,763 gas debt linked to another individual with the same name, before the debt collector acknowledged a mistaken identity error. EDF ceased correspondence and paid £125 compensation.
- 19 May 2026, inews.co.uk: [An energy firm broke into my flat to fit a prepayment meter and then locked me out](https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/money/energy-firm-broke-into-flat-fit-prepayment-meter-4423798). A customer alleges EDF forcibly entered her flat in error, changed the locks and installed a prepayment meter despite her being a British Gas customer. The article also reports British Gas's Ofgem-related settlement over forced prepayment-meter installations.

- [EDF deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=edf&view=deep-dive)
- [EDF PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/reports/edf.pdf)

### E.ON Next

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

E.ON Next ranked 4th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (9.6%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 297 mentions and a net tone of +42.

Its position improved from sixth in January at 6.1% to fourth in February at 7.8%, despite volume falling by one mention. March brought 58 mentions and a 9.6% share, with stories covering targeted bill support, tariff offers and the launch of the Next Optimise solar-and-battery service. April’s 8.6% share and fourth place coincided with the Next Steady hybrid tariff and reports that E.ON was considering an acquisition of OVO Energy. E.ON’s subsequent agreement to buy OVO was the principal May development, when corporate coverage expanded and E.ON Next reached 88 mentions, a 16.5% share and second place. Visibility peaked in May 2026 at 16.5%, compared with 6.1% in January 2026. January 2026: the Guardian reported bereavement-related billing errors, E.ON Next’s apology, cleared balances and changes to its bereavement policy. March 2026: volume rose by 27 to 58 and share increased 1.8 points to 9.6%, while rank moved to fifth; contemporaneous developments included Next Optimise and refreshed Next Pledge and EV tariffs. February 2026: Reuters reported E.ON’s planned €48bn investment in energy grids between 2026 and 2030. April 2026: Birmingham Live reported E.ON Next’s launch of the Next Steady hybrid tariff, combining below-cap pricing with a later fixed period.

Key messages:

- Visibility peaked in May 2026 at 16.5%, compared with 6.1% in January 2026.
- January 2026: the Guardian reported bereavement-related billing errors, E.ON Next’s apology, cleared balances and changes to its bereavement policy.
- E.ON reported first-quarter adjusted net profit of €1.34bn, up 7% year on year, and adjusted EBITDA of €3.3bn. The group maintained its 2026 and medium-term guidance while investing in energy infrastructure.
- E.ON plans to invest €48bn between 2026 and 2030 to expand and modernise energy grids, responding to growing demand including from data centres. It also proposed a 4% increase in its 2025 dividend.
- E.ON Next has updated prices on its EV tariffs while retaining overnight off-peak charging windows. The article compares the tariffs with the forthcoming household energy price cap.
- E.ON UK reported a 62% monthly increase in solar-panel sales and launched Next Optimise, a service designed to automate solar-battery charging and export based on wholesale prices. E.ON says the technology can help residential customers reduce bills and exposure to fossil-fuel price volatility.

Leading themes:

- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 38.4% of E.ON Next's coverage (theme index 1.46, net tone +41)
- Corporate, Financial Results & M&A: 19.2% of E.ON Next's coverage (theme index 1.71, net tone +46)
- Smart Meters, Heat Pumps & Home Tech: 14.8% of E.ON Next's coverage (theme index 0.99, net tone +73)

Notable positive coverage:

- 25 February 2026, wsj.com: [E.ON's Earnings Rise as It Spends on European Energy Infrastructure](https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/e-ons-earnings-rise-as-it-spends-on-european-energy-infrastructure-6797f230). E.ON reported 9% growth in 2025 adjusted EBITDA to €9.85bn and increased adjusted net income by 6%. It plans €48bn of investment in European energy infrastructure between 2026 and 2030.
- 25 February 2026, reuters.com: [E.ON raises investments to $57 billion to expand, modernize energy grids](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/eon-raises-investments-57-billion-expand-modernize-energy-grids-2026-02-25/). E.ON plans to invest €48bn between 2026 and 2030 to expand and modernise energy grids, responding to growing demand including from data centres. It also proposed a 4% increase in its 2025 dividend.
- 9 March 2026, gbnews.com: [E.ON announces price update for homeowners with electric car chargers impacting thousands](https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/electric-cars-eon-energy-price-cap-home-charger). E.ON Next has updated prices on its EV tariffs while retaining overnight off-peak charging windows. The article compares the tariffs with the forthcoming household energy price cap.

Notable negative coverage:

- 19 January 2026, theguardian.com: [E.ON cancelled £13,000 bill it sent to my late mother, but still owes £3,360](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jan/19/eon-cancelled-bill-energy-supplier-balances-account). A bereaved customer says E.ON Next made repeated billing and account-credit errors, including a cancelled £12,960 historic bill and disputed £3,360 arrears. E.ON apologised, said it had enhanced its bereavement policy, cleared balances and made a goodwill payment.
- 21 January 2026, birminghammail.co.uk: [EON owes me £3,360 after billing my dead mother £12,960 - Birmingham Live](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/eon-owes-3360-after-billing-33257231). E.ON cancelled an erroneous £12,960 bill issued in the name of a deceased customer after Energy Ombudsman intervention, but faced a dispute over a further £3,360. The company apologised, cleared balances, removed adverse credit data and said it had improved its bereavement policy.

- [E.ON Next deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=eonnext&view=deep-dive)
- [E.ON Next PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/reports/eonnext.pdf)

### OVO

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

OVO ranked 5th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (7.6%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 236 mentions and a net tone of −17.

Its strongest competitive position was fourth in January and June, while its highest share was 10.9% in May. Visibility was weakest in February at 3.0% and sixth place, following January’s 8.2% and fourth place. January coverage centred on more than £2.7m in redress for delayed Warm Home Discount payments, alongside reporting on OVO’s low supplier-service ranking and its community energy-saving events. February and March broadened the profile through a customer-support technology partnership, scrutiny of OVO’s finances and reporting on its solar-installation service. Corporate affairs became the largest theme in April as stories covered the TalkTalk legal claim, advanced E.ON acquisition talks and sharply higher sales in OVO’s solar and heating division. The agreed sale of the retail business to E.ON and Home Services to Hometree formed the principal May story cluster, when share reached its period high. June’s 10.3% share and fourth-place position coincided with extensive reporting on more than £10m in redress, credit and debt relief over vulnerable prepayment-meter customers, while OVO also launched a home air-conditioning service. Visibility peaked in May 2026 at 10.9%, compared with 3% in February 2026. January 2026: The Guardian reported that OVO would pay more than £2.7m after delayed Warm Home Discount support reached nearly 12,000 customers late.

Key messages:

- Visibility peaked in May 2026 at 10.9%, compared with 3% in February 2026.
- January 2026: The Guardian reported that OVO would pay more than £2.7m after delayed Warm Home Discount support reached nearly 12,000 customers late.
- OVO has launched a nationwide home air-conditioning installation service through OVO Solar & Heating. The supplier says the reverse-cycle systems can cool and heat homes, adding to its solar, battery and heat-pump offering.
- OVO is holding Warm Welcome Week community events offering energy-saving advice and eligible households free products such as electric blankets and efficient light bulbs. The initiative forms part of OVO's £56m Extra Support Package, and the supplier again calls for a social tariff.
- European households are increasing rooftop-solar and battery purchases in response to energy-price volatility. OVO says sales in its British solar and heating division were about ten times higher in April than a year earlier.
- OVO's solar-installation director sets out how the supplier assesses homes, sizes solar and battery systems, manages surveys and provides warranties and post-installation support. The article advises consumers on choosing accredited solar installers and scrutinising quotes.

Leading themes:

- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 31.8% of OVO's coverage (theme index 2.91, net tone −51)
- Corporate, Financial Results & M&A: 24.6% of OVO's coverage (theme index 2.24, net tone −17)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 24.2% of OVO's coverage (theme index 0.87, net tone +9)

Notable positive coverage:

- 9 January 2026, birminghammail.co.uk: [OVO Energy makes 'record breaking' announcement for thousands of customers](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/ovo-energy-makes-record-breaking-33201805). OVO has promoted a nationwide solar scheme and local-installer franchising model intended to accelerate household solar deployment. The supplier says greater solar uptake could lower bills and carbon emissions.
- 16 January 2026, dailyrecord.co.uk: [OVO to host events next week to help people save up to £360 on energy bills](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/ovo-community-energy-saving-events-36563223). OVO is hosting Warm Welcome Week community events across Great Britain offering energy-saving advice and, for eligible households, free products such as electric blankets and efficient light bulbs. The supplier says the initiative forms part of its £56 million Extra Support Package.
- 16 January 2026, birminghammail.co.uk: [OVO update for UK households over £360 off energy bills - full list of locations - Birmingham Live](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/ovo-update-uk-households-over-33239828). OVO is holding Warm Welcome Week community events offering energy-saving advice and eligible households free products such as electric blankets and efficient light bulbs. The initiative forms part of OVO's £56m Extra Support Package, and the supplier again calls for a social tariff.

Notable negative coverage:

- 3 June 2026, mirror.co.uk: [OVO customers to get money back and debts wiped as energy firm to pay £10million](https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/ovo-37241918). Ofgem found OVO inadequately monitored vulnerable prepayment customers, exposing them to potential harm. OVO agreed £7m in redress funding and £3.4m in customer credit and debt write-offs, alongside other payments.
- 3 June 2026, independent.co.uk: [Ovo to pay out more than £10m over prepayment meter rule breaches](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/ofgem-e-on-british-gas-holly-williams-b2988510.html). Ofgem found OVO's monitoring of vulnerable prepayment-meter customers was inadequate, creating a risk of harm. OVO agreed to more than £10 million in redress, credit and debt relief, and says it has improved its processes.
- 11 April 2026, telegraph.co.uk: [Ovo Energy sues TalkTalk over botched takeover](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/04/11/ovo-energy-sues-talktalk-over-botched-takeover/). OVO has sued TalkTalk over unpaid sums connected to the sale of former SSE Energy Services telecoms customers. The article also reports OVO’s fundraising and potential-sale efforts, losses, regulatory stress-test issues and cost cuts.

- [OVO deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=ovo&view=deep-dive)
- [OVO PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/reports/ovo.pdf)

### ScottishPower

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

ScottishPower ranked 6th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (7.0%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 222 mentions and a net tone of +11.

January 2026: Which? ranked ScottishPower last for customer service, reported by The Guardian. February 2026: share fell 3.2 points to 3.8% and volume declined by 22, while rank stayed fifth; stories included Sphere Energy Connect’s distribution licence and objections to the proposed Hare Hill repowering. March 2026: share rose 6.3 points to 10.1%, volume increased by 46 and rank improved to fourth; stories included £600m financing for Eastern Green Link 4 and the launch of a £12bn grid programme. April 2026: the first East Anglia THREE turbine was installed with record-length blades, reported by the BBC. June 2026: ScottishPower proposed securitising unrecoverable household energy debt, reported by the Financial Times. ScottishPower chief executive Keith Anderson has been appointed to the UK Industrial Strategy Advisory Council. The company says it plans to invest £24bn by 2028 in grid upgrades and clean-power generation. ScottishPower Renewables has appointed BOSLAN to oversee manufacturing and quality control for the 960MW East Anglia TWO offshore wind farm. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with operations planned for 2028. Ofgem has granted ScottishPower an electricity distribution licence to launch Sphere Energy Connect as an independent distribution network operator. Sphere will design, build, own and operate last-mile electricity connections for new domestic and business properties.

Key messages:

- January 2026: Which? ranked ScottishPower last for customer service, reported by The Guardian.
- ScottishPower chief executive Keith Anderson has been appointed to the UK Industrial Strategy Advisory Council. The company says it plans to invest £24bn by 2028 in grid upgrades and clean-power generation.
- ScottishPower Renewables has appointed BOSLAN to oversee manufacturing and quality control for the 960MW East Anglia TWO offshore wind farm. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with operations planned for 2028.
- Ofgem has granted ScottishPower an electricity distribution licence to launch Sphere Energy Connect as an independent distribution network operator. Sphere will design, build, own and operate last-mile electricity connections for new domestic and business properties.
- ScottishPower has partnered with George Clarke on its year-long Great Green Challenge to help households understand sustainable home technologies and energy-use changes. Research commissioned by ScottishPower found many consumers view greener living as costly or confusing.
- A power cut affected hundreds of properties across 92 postcodes in Glasgow's southside. Scottish Power said it was investigating and expected supplies to be restored by 18:30, subject to the work required.

Leading themes:

- Renewables, Generation & Net Zero: 31.1% of ScottishPower's coverage (theme index 2.71, net tone +61)
- Customer Service, Complaints & Billing: 17.1% of ScottishPower's coverage (theme index 2.01, net tone −79)
- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 14.0% of ScottishPower's coverage (theme index 0.49, net tone +13)

Notable positive coverage:

- 14 January 2026, renews.biz: [UK names ScottishPower chief to strategy council](https://renews.biz/107409/uk-names-scottishpower-chief-to-strategy-council/). ScottishPower chief executive Keith Anderson has been appointed to the UK Industrial Strategy Advisory Council. The company says it plans to invest £24bn by 2028 in grid upgrades and clean-power generation.
- 20 January 2026, theenergyst.com: [ScottishPower Renewables selects Accenture company BOSLAN to support manufacturing for East Anglia TWO wind farm](https://theenergyst.com/scottishpower-renewables-selects-accenture-company-boslan-to-support-manufacturing-for-east-anglia-two-wind-farm/). ScottishPower Renewables has appointed BOSLAN to oversee manufacturing and quality control for the 960MW East Anglia TWO offshore wind farm. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with operations planned for 2028.
- 30 January 2026, theenergyst.com: [ScottishPower gets IDNO green light from Ofgem](https://theenergyst.com/scottishpower-gets-idno-green-light-from-ofgem/). Ofgem has licensed ScottishPower's new Sphere Energy Connect business as an independent distribution network operator. Sphere will develop and operate local electricity networks to connect homes, businesses and developments across Great Britain.

Notable negative coverage:

- 24 June 2026, bbc.co.uk: [Hundreds of homes hit by power cut in southside of Glasgow](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg7j7v1n2jo). A power cut affected hundreds of properties across 92 postcodes in Glasgow's southside. Scottish Power said it was investigating and expected supplies to be restored by 18:30, subject to the work required.
- 2 March 2026, theguardian.com: [ScottishPower refuses to believe that my father has died](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/mar/02/scottishpower-refuses-to-believe-that-my-father-has-died). ScottishPower admitted unnecessary paperwork requests and delays in processing a bereaved customer's feed-in-tariff payment transfer. It ultimately offered £300 compensation, including interest, which the customer accepted.
- 8 June 2026, theguardian.com: [ScottishPower sent six cheques addressed to my late brother](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jun/08/scottishpower-cheques-late-brother-relatives). Bereaved customers say ScottishPower repeatedly sent bills, debt letters and uncashable refund cheques in deceased relatives' names despite being notified of their deaths. ScottishPower acknowledged that its service fell short in a small number of cases and said it would review the failings.

- [ScottishPower deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=scottishpower&view=deep-dive)
- [ScottishPower PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/reports/scottishpower.pdf)

### Ecotricity

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

Ecotricity ranked 7th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (1.8%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 55 mentions and a net tone of +24.

January coverage centred on Dale Vince’s challenge to heat-pump economics, a possible future sale of Ecotricity and Carbon Brief’s scrutiny of research he backed. February added corporate developments, including the pause in investment in majority-owned EcoJet Airlines and discussion of Ecotricity’s grass-to-gas mill. The April low of two mentions included a sponsored BusinessGreen interview in which chief executive Asif Rehmanwala discussed renewables, energy security and Ecotricity’s green-industry role. May returned the company to seventh place as pricing coverage included Vince calling the government’s lower-bills pledge a joke. January 2026: Dale Vince argued that heat pumps had been mis-sold in The Telegraph. February 2026: share rose 0.5 points to 2.0% and rank improved from eighth to seventh; stories included Ecotricity pausing investment in EcoJet Airlines. May 2026: The Express reported Vince’s criticism of the government’s pledge to cut energy prices. Citizens Advice reported that about 14 million households receive below-average supplier service, with Ecotricity ranking first. Octopus and E.ON Next performed best among major suppliers, while British Gas, EDF, Utilita and OVO scored below average; Energy UK also called for targeted support amid potential bill rises. Ecotricity has paused investment in its majority-owned EcoJet Airlines venture after provisional liquidators were appointed to the airline. Founder Dale Vince said the company remains committed to transport electrification despite the pause.

Key messages:

- January 2026: Dale Vince argued that heat pumps had been mis-sold in The Telegraph.
- Citizens Advice reported that about 14 million households receive below-average supplier service, with Ecotricity ranking first. Octopus and E.ON Next performed best among major suppliers, while British Gas, EDF, Utilita and OVO scored below average; Energy UK also called for targeted support amid potential bill rises.
- Ecotricity CEO Asif Rehmanwala discusses the UK transition to renewables, energy security and the company's role in green industry. The sponsored video presents Ecotricity as a prominent green business.
- Ecotricity has paused investment in its majority-owned EcoJet Airlines venture after provisional liquidators were appointed to the airline. Founder Dale Vince said the company remains committed to transport electrification despite the pause.
- Ecotricity founder Dale Vince criticises government heat-pump grants while backing loans for rooftop solar. The profile also covers his political donations, public controversy and the potential future sale of Ecotricity.
- Ecotricity founder Dale Vince discusses heat-pump policy, green gas and political donations, while saying the supplier remains successful. He acknowledges problems with Ecotricity's grass-to-gas mill and says the company may revisit the technology after an aborted 2022 sale attempt.

Leading themes:

- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 29.1% of Ecotricity's coverage (theme index 1.06, net tone +56)
- Customer Service, Complaints & Billing: 18.2% of Ecotricity's coverage (theme index 2.03, net tone +80)
- Smart Meters, Heat Pumps & Home Tech: 16.4% of Ecotricity's coverage (theme index 1.1, net tone −11)

Notable positive coverage:

- 17 March 2026, theguardian.com: [UK energy: about 14m households getting 'below-average' service](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/mar/17/uk-energy-service-citizens-advice-ecotricity-outfox-octopus-co-operative). Citizens Advice reported that about 14 million households receive below-average supplier service, with Ecotricity ranking first. Octopus and E.ON Next performed best among major suppliers, while British Gas, EDF, Utilita and OVO scored below average; Energy UK also called for targeted support amid potential bill rises.
- 1 April 2026, businessgreen.com: [We're moving in the right direction, but we need to break the link between power and gas](https://www.businessgreen.com/interview/4527753/moving-direction-break-link-power-gas). Ecotricity CEO Asif Rehmanwala discusses the UK transition to renewables, energy security and the company's role in green industry. The sponsored video presents Ecotricity as a prominent green business.

Notable negative coverage:

- 30 January 2026, carbonbrief.org: [Factcheck: What it really costs to heat a home in the UK with a heat pump](https://www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-what-it-really-costs-to-heat-a-home-in-the-uk-with-a-heat-pump/). Carbon Brief challenges a Green Britain Foundation report backed by Ecotricity owner Dale Vince that argued heat pumps cost more to run. It says the report uses pessimistic assumptions and argues efficient heat pumps and smart tariffs can reduce household bills.
- 4 February 2026, heraldscotland.com: [Liquidators appointed as Scottish airline ceases operations](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25826088.airline-ceases-operations-liquidators-appointed-court/). Ecotricity has paused investment in its majority-owned EcoJet Airlines venture after provisional liquidators were appointed to the airline. Founder Dale Vince said the company remains committed to transport electrification despite the pause.

- [Ecotricity deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=ecotricity&view=deep-dive)
- [Ecotricity PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/reports/ecotricity.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 (1.6%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 53 mentions and a net tone of +34.

Visibility was initially limited, with one mention and tenth place in January, while January and February evidence consisted only of contextual references in wider policy, tariff and support coverage. March marked the first substantial company-focused presence, as share reached 3.0% and rank improved to seventh. Share fell to 0.9% in April, although Good Energy’s renewable supply arrangement with Stellium Datacenters provided a distinct company-focused development. May remained sparse and contained only contextual references in price-cap comparisons and reporting about vulnerable customers. Share rose to 3.7% in June alongside independent coverage of Good Energy’s household-bill reform proposals, research on solar demand and reported growth in solar-installation sales. March 2026: Good Energy acquired Low Energy Services to expand into Scotland and northern England, reported by theenergyst.com. March 2026: Politico examined DESNZ-funded solar contracts awarded to Good Energy-owned Amelio Enterprises and reported the company’s response. Good Energy has partnered with Wiltshire College & University Centre on a green-skills training facility featuring solar, heat-pump, battery and smart-home technology. The company will use the site to train its expanding engineering workforce. Good Energy says its solar panel sales rose 91% between February and March as households sought lower energy costs. The article also covers planned rule changes allowing plug-in solar panels and the wider UK net-zero debate.

Key messages:

- March 2026: Good Energy acquired Low Energy Services to expand into Scotland and northern England, reported by theenergyst.com.
- Good Energy has partnered with Wiltshire College & University Centre on a green-skills training facility featuring solar, heat-pump, battery and smart-home technology. The company will use the site to train its expanding engineering workforce.
- Good Energy says its solar panel sales rose 91% between February and March as households sought lower energy costs. The article also covers planned rule changes allowing plug-in solar panels and the wider UK net-zero debate.
- Good Energy and Wiltshire College have opened a £500,000 Green Skills Innovation Centre to train people in heat pumps, battery storage and solar installation. Good Energy said skilled specialists are essential to decarbonising homes and businesses and meeting Clean Energy 2030 goals.
- Good Energy-owned Amelio Solar Enterprises received school-solar contracts funded through Great British Energy while the brother of Good Energy's CEO was DESNZ permanent secretary. Good Energy rejected any suggestion of a conflict, saying the work followed an open competitive tender.
- Industry bodies, companies and campaign groups respond to the government's Warm Homes Plan, welcoming support for home efficiency and low-carbon technologies while raising concerns about delivery, electricity costs and skills.

Leading themes:

- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 45.3% of Good Energy's coverage (theme index 1.67, net tone +13)
- Corporate, Financial Results & M&A: 17.0% of Good Energy's coverage (theme index 1.42, net tone +67)
- Smart Meters, Heat Pumps & Home Tech: 13.2% of Good Energy's coverage (theme index 0.88, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 6 March 2026, theenergyst.com: [Good Energy partners with Wiltshire College & University Centre to launch new green skills training facility](https://theenergyst.com/good-energy-partners-with-wiltshire-college-university-centre-to-launch-new-green-skills-training-facility/). Good Energy has partnered with Wiltshire College & University Centre on a green-skills training facility featuring solar, heat-pump, battery and smart-home technology. The company will use the site to train its expanding engineering workforce.
- 18 March 2026, theenergyst.com: [Good Energy grows its presence in Scotland with acquisition of Low Energy Services](https://theenergyst.com/good-energy-grows-its-presence-in-scotland-with-acquisition-of-low-energy-services/). Good Energy has acquired Scottish commercial solar installer Low Energy Services, its fifth solar acquisition in 18 months. The deal expands Good Energy's services footprint in Scotland and northern England.
- 19 March 2026, solarpowerportal.co.uk: [Good Energy acquires Low Energy Services](https://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/residential-solar/good-energy-acquires-low-energy-services-scotland). Good Energy has acquired Low Energy Services, its fifth solar-services acquisition in 18 months, expanding its presence into Scotland and northern England. The company says the deal supports its strategy to scale renewable-energy services nationwide.

Notable negative coverage:

- 11 March 2026, politico.eu: [Solar contract given to firm run by brother of DESNZ top official](https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-solar-contract-amelio-enterprises-brother-desnz-top-official-jeremy-pocklington/). Good Energy-owned Amelio Solar Enterprises received school-solar contracts funded through Great British Energy while the brother of Good Energy's CEO was DESNZ permanent secretary. Good Energy rejected any suggestion of a conflict, saying the work followed an open competitive tender.

- [Good Energy deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=goodenergy&view=deep-dive)
- [Good Energy PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/reports/goodenergy.pdf)

### Utilita

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

Utilita ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (1.1%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 34 mentions and a net tone of +24.

Between those stronger months, share fell to 0.5% in February and 0.2% in April, when the sole article was a contextual reference rather than a Utilita-focused development. January’s company-focused coverage combined Warm Home Discount payments with research on electric-heater and appliance costs. March paired chairman Derek Lickorish’s warning over the government’s promised £150 bill reduction with High5 research about energy-saving advice from mothers. High5 remained visible through May’s laundry-habits research and June’s Father’s Day survey about money-saving lessons. January 2026: Utilita began issuing £150 Warm Home Discount payments, reported by Birmingham Live. February 2026: share fell 2.7 percentage points to 0.5% and rank moved from seventh to tenth; stories included Utilita’s household-arguments poll in The Independent. May 2026: High5 research linked laundry habits with cooler, fuller washing loads, reported by the Mirror. Utilita commissioned a Father's Day survey claiming parental energy-saving advice helps households build money-saving habits. The supplier promotes its High5 tips series, including advice on reducing standby energy use. Utilita commissioned a survey about energy-saving advice passed down by mothers as part of its High5 campaign. Its spokesperson highlighted practical actions such as batch cooking to reduce household energy costs.

Key messages:

- January 2026: Utilita began issuing £150 Warm Home Discount payments, reported by Birmingham Live.
- Utilita commissioned a Father's Day survey claiming parental energy-saving advice helps households build money-saving habits. The supplier promotes its High5 tips series, including advice on reducing standby energy use.
- Utilita commissioned a survey about energy-saving advice passed down by mothers as part of its High5 campaign. Its spokesperson highlighted practical actions such as batch cooking to reduce household energy costs.
- Utilita commissioned research on energy-saving advice passed down by mothers, including reducing heating use and household electricity consumption. The supplier says the campaign aims to help households become financially and environmentally conscious.
- Utilita says portable electric heaters cost about £3 a day to run on average, compared with £0.90 for gas central heating. Its Power Price List research also highlights the higher carbon emissions associated with using electric heaters.
- Utilita research highlights the electricity costs of leaving household appliances on standby and advises consumers to switch off unused devices. It estimates a television left on standby can cost about £16 a year.

Leading themes:

- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 41.2% of Utilita's coverage (theme index 1.51, net tone +29)
- Vulnerable Customers, Debt & Fuel Poverty: 35.3% of Utilita's coverage (theme index 2.87, net tone +25)
- Other: 11.8% of Utilita's coverage (theme index 4.23, net tone +50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 19 June 2026, thesun.co.uk: [Dads teach kids money-savvy lessons that save them £7,000](https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/39469484/dads-teach-kids-money-lessons-save/). Utilita commissioned a Father's Day survey claiming parental energy-saving advice helps households build money-saving habits. The supplier promotes its High5 tips series, including advice on reducing standby energy use.
- 24 May 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Brits admit wearing the same socks 3 times - and do the same with underwear](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/brits-admit-wearing-same-socks-37194498). Utilita commissioned research on household laundry habits as part of its High5 energy-saving campaign. The supplier promotes cooler, fuller washing-machine loads as a way to reduce energy use and bills.
- 10 March 2026, thesun.co.uk: [Brits reveal top 30 pearls of wisdom shared by their mums](https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/38468978/brits-mums-wisest-people-top-pearls-wisdom/). Utilita commissioned research on energy-saving advice passed down by mothers, including reducing heating use and household electricity consumption. The supplier says the campaign aims to help households become financially and environmentally conscious.

- [Utilita deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=utilita&view=deep-dive)
- [Utilita PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/reports/utilita.pdf)

### So Energy

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

So Energy ranked 10th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (0.8%) in the UK Energy Suppliers benchmark for H1 2026, with 26 mentions and a net tone of +8.

January’s 0.4% share and ninth place reflected contextual customer-service coverage, including Which?’s weaker assessment of the supplier. Its share was 1.2% in March; company-focused reporting included a Financial Times account of home-battery integration and installation problems involving So Energy and Yahoo’s report of Lucy Webb’s comments on inclusive recruitment and retention. April’s share fell to 0.2%, while theenergyst.com reported So Energy’s multi-year contract with Calisen for meter-reading and site-visit services. The share was 1.1% in both May and June, when contextual stories covered fixed-tariff comparisons, a Uswitch commendation for improved scores, disputed-debt allegations, gift-card incentives and solar-and-battery finance. March 2026: Share increased to 1.2%. April 2026: Share fell to 0.2%. A homeowner describes difficulties integrating a home battery and solar panels, including technical communication and installation issues involving So Energy. The article also outlines Octopus Energy's smart tariffs for home batteries and EV charging. ESB and Red Rock Renewables' Inch Cape offshore wind project says it will invest £4.7bn in the UK economy over its lifetime and support jobs in Scotland. The project is targeting first power in late 2026 and full operation in 2027. Which? placed ScottishPower last in its UK supplier customer-service rankings, with EDF Energy and British Gas also near the bottom. Octopus Energy was a recommended provider and ranked second overall, while the lower-ranked suppliers challenged aspects of the methodology.

Key messages:

- So Energy has awarded Calisen Metering Services a multi-year contract to provide meter-reading and site-visit services across Great Britain. The agreement is intended to improve data quality, billing and customer insight as Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement approaches.
- A homeowner describes difficulties integrating a home battery and solar panels, including technical communication and installation issues involving So Energy. The article also outlines Octopus Energy's smart tariffs for home batteries and EV charging.
- ESB and Red Rock Renewables' Inch Cape offshore wind project says it will invest £4.7bn in the UK economy over its lifetime and support jobs in Scotland. The project is targeting first power in late 2026 and full operation in 2027.
- Which? placed ScottishPower last in its UK supplier customer-service rankings, with EDF Energy and British Gas also near the bottom. Octopus Energy was a recommended provider and ranked second overall, while the lower-ranked suppliers challenged aspects of the methodology.
- Ofgem's price cap is set to rise 13% in July amid higher wholesale gas prices, prompting consumers on variable tariffs to consider fixed deals. The article compares fixed tariffs, including offers from Ecotricity, E.ON Next, Good Energy, British Gas and So Energy.
- The article explains eligibility and deadlines for the £150 Warm Home Discount, including action required where automatic processing has not occurred. It lists participating suppliers and notes separate arrangements for Scottish customers.

Leading themes:

- Pricing, Tariffs & the Price Cap: 50.0% of So Energy's coverage (theme index 1.84, net tone +8)
- Customer Service, Complaints & Billing: 19.2% of So Energy's coverage (theme index 2.12, net tone −20)
- Smart Meters, Heat Pumps & Home Tech: 11.5% of So Energy's coverage (theme index 0.77, net tone +33)

Notable positive coverage:

- 7 April 2026, theenergyst.com: [Calisen Metering Services secures major national data services contract with So Energy](https://theenergyst.com/calisen-metering-services-secures-major-national-data-services-contract-with-so-energy/). So Energy has awarded Calisen Metering Services a multi-year contract to provide meter-reading and site-visit services across Great Britain. The agreement is intended to improve data quality, billing and customer insight as Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement approaches.
- 26 March 2026, inews.co.uk: [The cheapest ways to get solar panels, and how much they can save you on bills](https://inews.co.uk/news/the-cheapest-ways-to-get-solar-panels-and-how-much-they-can-save-you-on-bills-4316241). The article compares plug-in, rooftop and battery solar options for households and their potential bill savings. So Energy is cited as offering interest-free solar-panel loans through a government-backed scheme.
- 24 February 2026, renews.biz: [Inch Cape report outlines UK impact](https://renews.biz/110222/inch-cape-report-outlines-uk-impact/). ESB and Red Rock Renewables' Inch Cape offshore wind project says it will invest £4.7bn in the UK economy over its lifetime and support jobs in Scotland. The project is targeting first power in late 2026 and full operation in 2027.

Notable negative coverage:

- 28 March 2026, ft.com: [Thinking of installing a home battery? Here's how](https://www.ft.com/content/fe24531d-ef41-4e58-a940-54079d01eaf7?syn-25a6b1a6=1). A homeowner describes difficulties integrating a home battery and solar panels, including technical communication and installation issues involving So Energy. The article also outlines Octopus Energy's smart tariffs for home batteries and EV charging.

- [So Energy deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1?entity=soenergy&view=deep-dive)
- [So Energy PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1/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 – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-07.md)
- [UK energy suppliers media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-08.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", H1 2026 (1 January 2026–30 June 2026), published 1 September 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-energy-suppliers-2026-h1