Ecotricity in 2022: Prices, Reviews and Contact Details

At Papernest, we love helping people to find the perfect green energy supplier and tariff for their household. So they can help to save the planet while also saving money. Let’s take a look at Ecotricity reviews and tariffs to see why you might want to consider Ecotricity as your energy supplier.

What makes Ecotricity different?

Ecotricity is on a mission to rid the UK energy market of fossil fuels. It invests heavily and building and maintaining its own renewable energy infrastructure, participating in anti-fracking activities, developing energy storage solution and expanding the nation’s electric vehicle charging network.

Lots of energy suppliers have green tariffs. But Ecotricity has some of the greenest tariffs on the market today. What’s more, they’re the only energy supplier that is approved by The Vegan Society. Many green energy suppliers offer carbon-neutral biomethane gas. This usually comes from agricultural, plant and animal waste. Ecotricity’s green gas, however, comes from 100% plant sources. None of its gas comes from animal agriculture.

While they are not the cheapest energy supplier on the market, they do have an ethical price promise. So you can be sure that the money you pay is invested in green endeavours rather than enriching board members.

Who are Ecotricity?

Ecotricity is a green energy supplier based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Unlike many other green energy suppliers, it doesn’t buy wholesale renewable energy. It invests in generating its own. It built its first windmill in Gloucestershire in the mid-90s and has been adding to its portfolio of wind and energy farms every since.

Who owns Ecotricity?

Ecotricity is owned by renewable energy activist Dale Vince. Vince started the company with a single windmill that he had used to power the old army truck in which he lived.

Are Ecotricity any good?

If you’re looking for the most eco-friendly supplier and tariff on the market, Ecotricity is as good as it gets. They generate their own energy, they have vegan carbon-neutral gas, and they have invested heavily in forward-thinking renewable technologies and infrastructure. They also offer a high standard of UK-based customer service.

Ecotricity tariffs & prices

Below you can find the cost information associated with these tariffs.

E Energy Variable Rate Tariffs

E Energy currently offers one variable tariff. These tariffs can change based on the market prices but allow for flexible movement between plans as well.

The costs associated with this tariff can be seen here:

E Energy Prepaid Tariffs

E Energy also has prepayment tariffs. For these tariffs, instead of paying after your consumption, you top up your meter which will then slowly go down the more you consume.

Costs associated with this tariff plan can be seen here:

E Energy Economy 7 Tariffs

E Energy provides the opportunity for economy 7 deals as well for those with an economy 7 meter.

As mentioned previously, these tariffs have two separate unit rates, one for peak hours of consumption and another for off-peak.

Pricing on these tariffs can be seen here:

Ecotricity: what other services do they offer?

Aside from providing domestic energy, Ecotricity is involved in all kinds of green innovations. These include wind turbines that are small enough to be installed in major urban centres (wittily known as "urbines"). Ecotricity has also been involved in the development of innovative vehicles that do not use fossil fuels such as the Nemesis electric sports car and the award-winning Iron Horse superbike.

Do Ecotricity do business tariffs?

Yes, Ecotricity also provides business energy tariffs to enterprises of all shapes and sizes that want to improve their green credentials with 100% renewable energy and green gas. SMEs, and large enterprise-level companies alike can benefit from green energy plans. There are also energy plans specifically suited to the needs of property developers.

Business rates are not advertised on Ecotricty’s website, as its commercial energy plans are made to measure. Your rates will depend on the size of your company, its location, how much energy it uses, and its peak energy load hours.

You can apply for an Ecotricity business tariff by clicking here.

Do Ecotricity have smart meters? What smart meters do they offer?

Yes, Ecotricity offer smart meters to new and existing customers. As a green energy consumer, it makes sense that they are keen to help energy consumers to reduce energy waste and take control of their energy spending.

With a smart meter, energy consumers need never again take and report their own meter readings. Usage data is transmitted automatically to the supplier. So there’s no need to worry about inaccurate estimated bills if you pay by direct debit.

Ecotricity are currently rolling out both first-generation SMETS1 meters and second-generation SMETS2 meters, depending on the area in which you live. The primary difference is that SMETS2 meters will continue to be fully functional and transmit usage data in the future if you should switch energy suppliers in the future. SMETS1 meters generally cannot do this, although suppliers may be able to issue a remote upgrade that gives them the same functionality as a SMETS2 meter. Ecotricity’s website does not yet indicate whether or when they will issue this to customers with SMETS1 meters.

How to apply for the Warm Home Discount with Ecotricity

Ecotricity voluntarily participates in the Warm Home Discount scheme.

The Warm Home Discount is a government initiative, administrated by energy suppliers. It is designed to help support vulnerable energy consumers to heat their homes in the colder months, offering a flat discount of £140 discount on energy in the colder months from September to March. You may be eligible for this discount if you receive a UK pension (core group) or claim qualifying income-related benefits (broader group).

You can check your eligibility and make an application by visiting Ecotricity’s support page.

Ecotricity customer reviews: What do their customers say?

At Papernest, we appreciate that shopping around for a new energy plan can be confusing when every energy supplier is marketing themselves as the best. It’s not always easy to cut through the advertising bluster and find out how a supplier performs in all the ways that matter the most to them.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at what Ecotricity’s customers say about them.

At the time of writing, Ecotricity’s Trustpilot page has a total of 2,112 customer reviews, and an aggregate customer score of 3.6 out of 5. This puts them at the upper end of the "Average" band.

Of the 2,112 reviews left by customers:

• 1,086 (51%) were "Excellent"
• 182 (9%) were "Great"
• 61 (3%) were "Average"
• 96 (5%) were "Poor"
• 687 (33%) were "Bad"

As we can see, a 60% majority of customers give Ecotricity a rating of either "Great" or "Excellent".

Positive reviews focus on the high standard of green credentials, and the passion with which the brand champions green causes. Other positive reviews focus on excellent customer service with a collaborative approach, and a personal touch.

Negative reviews, however, focus on then admittedly high costs, aggressive chasing of missed payments, and billing issues / inaccuracies.

How green is Ecotricity?

Ecotricity is quite possibly the greenest energy supplier in the UK. Not only does it offer 100% renewable electricity, it generates this electricity independently, rather than purchasing it wholesale.

It also offers 100% green biomethane gas from exclusively plant-based sources.

Ecotricity energy fuel mix

Ecotricity offers 100% renewable energy from a combination of wind, solar and hydropower. However, exact percentages are not disclosed on the supplier’s website.

Contacting Ecotricity

The Papernest team understand the importance of being able to contact your energy supplier quickly and conveniently when you have an issue or question.

There are two ways to contact Ecotricity. You can call 0345 555 7 100, or if you’d prefer to call a landline, you can call 01453 761 482. Lines are open from 8:30am - 6pm Monday to Friday.

Or, if you prefer, you can email them at home@ecotricity.co.uk.

Ecotricity: How to pay

There are a number of ways to pay your Ecotricity bill. The most easiest, and cheapest, is to pay by direct debit. Getting a smart meter, or taking monthly meter readings will ensure that the amount you pay is always an accurate reflection of your usage.

If you prefer to pay monthly, you can do this by credit or debit card over the phone, online, or via the Ecotricity app. You can also pay in cash at any PayPoint location, by BACSor CHAPS, or by sending a cheque / postal order in the post.

How to refer a friend to Ecotricity

Like most energy suppliers, Ecotricity have a referral scheme for those who want to help friends switch to a greener energy plan. For every friend, relative or colleague you refer to the service, both you and they earn a £25 Ethical superstore voucher. Here you can buy all kinds of ethical, fairtrade, vegan and plastic-free supplies.

You can refer a friend by clicking here.

How to complain about Ecotricity

If you have a complaint about Ecotricity, you can register this either over the phone, or via email. You don’t necessarily have to submit it in writing. However, if you prefer, you can send your complaint in the post to:.

Ecotricity Ltd.
Unicorn House
Russell Street
Stroud
Gloucestershire

GL5 3AX

Ecotricity then have 8 weeks to resolve your complaint. If they do not resolve your complaint to your satisfaction within 8 weeks, you can refer it to the energy ombudsman service.

Our opinion on Ecotricity

Ecotricity is probably the greenest energy supplier on the market today. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive. However, for the eco-conscious energy consumer who wants to know that their energy is as ethical and renewable as possible, Ecotricity really is the gold standard.

How to switch to Ecotricity

If you’re considering switching to Ecotricity, make sure you get in touch with the Papernest team first.

Our experts will take the time to understand your needs and priorities, so you can be sure that your Ecotricity tariff is perfect for your needs. We’ll even manage your switch from end-to-end, so you can enjoy the greenest possible energy faster.

Want to know more?

Call us today on 0330 818 6225.

We’re available from 8am to 6pm.

Would you like to know more about energy suppliers in the UK? Great! Check out these related articles

1. So Energy
2. Utility Point
3. Tonik Energy

FAQ

When was Ecotricity founded?

Ecotricity was first founded in 1995. It began, fittingly enough, with a single wind turbine in the back of an old army van on a hill near Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Where is Ecotricity based?

Ecotricity is based in the Gloucestershire town of Stroud.

How much does Ecotricity charge per kWh?

This depends on the tariff you choose. Unit rates for gas and electricity for all available tariffs are listed below:

• Ecotricity Green Electricity & Gas- 20.58p per kWh. 4.80p gas.
• Ecotricity PAYG- 16.46p electricity. 2.84p gas.
• Green Electricity + EV and Green Gas- 15.19p electricity. 4.80p gas.

How many customers does Ecotricity have?

At the time of writing, Ecotricity has around 200,000 active energy customers. This includes both business and commercial customers.

How often do Ecotricity bill?

Ecotricity bills on a monthly basis. However, priority service customers are able to pay quarterly if they prefer.

If you pay by monthly direct debit (the cheapest and easiest way to pay), Papernest recommends that you submit a meter reading at least every 3 months to ensure that you are billed accurately.

How long does it take to switch to Ecotricity?

At Papernest, we can get you switched to a new Ecotricity tariff in no time! We manage your switch from end-to-end, so you can start enjoying your new tariff within just 15 days.