Ecotricity Scottish Power (September 2026)
Overview
Ecotricity wins on fixed prices and customer service, while Scottish Power is better for variable tariffs and app quality.
Choosing between Ecotricity and Scottish Power depends on household priorities. Ecotricity provides a cheaper fixed tariff and scores higher in independent customer service ratings, whereas Scottish Power offers a lower-priced standard variable option and higher-rated mobile applications.
About Ecotricity and Scottish Power
Who is Ecotricity?
Set up in 1995 by Dale Vince, Ecotricity is an independent company based in Stroud. It is a smaller supplier that focuses on environmental campaigning. It runs a "Bills into Mills" model, where it uses customer bill money to build new wind and solar parks in Britain rather than paying shareholders. It is also the only supplier to offer vegan-certified energy.
Products & services
Awards & recognition
Who is Scottish Power?
Owned by the Spanish utility group Iberdrola, Scottish Power is one of the UK's largest domestic energy suppliers and one of its most recognised brands. It offers standard energy tariffs as well as home technology installations like solar panels and electric vehicle chargers. A key feature of its fixed deals is a long-running partnership with Cancer Research UK, where it makes a donation to the charity for customers who sign up to specific tariffs.
Products & services
Awards & recognition
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Tariffs and pricing
Ecotricity provides the lowest-priced overall deal in this comparison. Its EcoFixed - 2 Year August 26 v4 tariff costs £1,559 a year, which is £52 less than Scottish Power's cheapest option, the Standard variable tariff at £1,611 a year. It is worth noting that Ecotricity's fixed deal requires a 24-month commitment and includes a £200 total exit fee, while Scottish Power's variable tariff operates without a fixed term or exit fees.
For households looking to lock in their rates, Ecotricity is the lower-cost option. The supplier's 24-month fixed deal at £1,559 a year is £271 less than Scottish Power's cheapest fixed tariff. By comparison, the Scottish Power Exclusive Help Beat Cancer Fixed Sep 2027 SM2 costs £1,830 a year for a 12-month term, although it does not charge exit fees.
Customers seeking a standard variable tariff may find Scottish Power more suitable. Its Standard tariff is priced at £1,611 a year, coming in £203 below Ecotricity's Standard Variable Green Tariff, which costs £1,813 a year.
| Metric | Ecotricity | Scottish Power |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest tariff | £1,558 / year | £1,610 / year |
| Cheapest variable tariff | £1,813 / year | £1,610 / year |
| Cheapest fixed tariff | £1,558 / year | £1,829 / year |
| Cheapest tariff exit fee | £200 | £0 |
| Cheapest fixed tariff exit fee | £200 | £0 |
Tariff Options
Ecotricity tariffs
Ecotricity offers a standard variable tariff and fixed-term options for household customers. It also provides specialist tariffs for electric vehicle drivers and prepayment customers.
Scottish Power tariffs
Scottish Power provides standard variable and fixed-term tariffs, alongside specialist options for electric vehicle drivers and tracker tariffs.
Customer reviews
Scottish Power holds a Trustpilot score of 4.4 out of 5, drawn from over 200,000 reviews. Ecotricity scores 4.2 out of 5 based on approximately 6,600 reviews. Looking at the rating distribution, 66% of Ecotricity's reviews are five-star and 22% are one-star. Scottish Power shows a comparable breakdown, with 60% five-star and 19% one-star ratings. Both providers reply to over 90% of negative feedback on the platform, typically within 24 hours.
Summaries of recent Trustpilot feedback indicate that Ecotricity customers often highlight polite staff and prompt resolutions to switching and billing inquiries. Conversely, some users report high prices and communication issues during technical faults. Frequent topics for Ecotricity include customer service, sustainability, and staff interactions. Scottish Power reviewers frequently mention helpful support and straightforward online account management, though some note confusing billing details and unexpected charges. Recurring themes for Scottish Power centre on user experience, service, and price.
In the annual Which? energy survey, Ecotricity achieves an overall score of 66, placing it ahead of Scottish Power's 56. Breaking down the categories, Ecotricity scores 9 out of 15 for complaints and 9 out of 12 for contacting the supplier. In contrast, Scottish Power scores 4 out of 15 and 7 out of 12 for these respective metrics. Furthermore, Ecotricity receives 9 out of 10 for help for those who need it, against Scottish Power's 7 out of 10.
App quality
Scottish Power's mobile app receives higher customer ratings across both major platforms. It scores 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store and 4.7 out of 5 on the Google Play Store, based on tens of thousands of reviews. The Android version records over a million installs and a net-positive rating of 89.8%. Recent software updates have introduced detailed monthly breakdowns for Direct Debit users.
Ecotricity's app scores 1.8 out of 5 on the App Store and 2.8 out of 5 on Google Play. These figures are drawn from samples of fewer than 200 ratings each, making direct comparisons with Scottish Power's larger rating volume less statistically robust. Recent iOS feedback indicates that the updated application functions similarly to a website wrapper and lacks certain features, such as access to previous meter readings.
Service and support
Average wait: 45 sec
Hours: Weekdays 9am–7pm, open Saturday and Sunday 9am–5pm
Average wait: 1.3 min
Hours: Weekdays 9am–5pm, closed Saturday, closed Sunday
Replies: 95% within 2 days
Hours: 24/7
Replies: 94% within 2 days
Hours: 24/7
Average response: ~2 min
Hours: Business hrs
Ecotricity places 7th overall in the Citizens Advice customer service ratings, achieving a score of 3.36 out of 5. Scottish Power ranks 10th with a score of 2.94 out of 5. Both providers maintain formal vulnerability commitments registered with Citizens Advice.
Phone support data shows Ecotricity customers wait an average of 45 seconds to speak with an agent, compared to 1 minute 16 seconds for Scottish Power. Additionally, Scottish Power reports an average social media response time of 2 minutes 25 seconds, whereas Ecotricity does not publish this metric. Both suppliers reply to approximately 95% of emails within two days.
Ecotricity operates its phone lines from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends. Scottish Power's phone support is available from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and remains closed on weekends. Both companies accept payments via Direct Debit, cash, cheque, and prepayment.
| Metric | Ecotricity | Scottish Power |
|---|---|---|
| Average social media response time | N/A | 2 minutes 25 seconds |
Complaints and performance
During the first quarter of 2026, Ecotricity had 291 complaints for every 100,000 customers. The supplier solved 41% of these issues by the end of the next working day, and it fixed 98% of all complaints within eight weeks.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Scottish Power had 1,458 complaints per 100,000 customers. It fixed 60% of complaints by the next working day, and 86% within eight weeks.
Main reasons for complaints
The most common reason customers complained to Ecotricity was customer service, which made up 34% of its cases. Billing and meter readings were the second biggest issue at 23%. For Scottish Power, billing caused the most problems, making up 32% of its complaints. Payment issues followed at 27%.
Green Energy Comparison
Ecotricity's green energy
Ecotricity supplies a 100% renewable electricity mix. It generates a portion of this power directly from its own wind and solar parks across the UK. For gas, it supplies a mix of green gas and fossil gas. To manage the impact of the fossil gas, it invests in direct carbon removal projects in Britain through its Carbon Bank initiative.[1]
Scottish Power's green energy
Scottish Power's supplied domestic electricity mix is largely fossil fuels, with a small amount of renewables, nuclear, and other sources. It does offer 100% green electricity on some of its fixed tariffs. To help customers lower their carbon footprint at home, the company sells and installs solar panels, battery systems, and electric vehicle chargers.
Our verdict
| If you care most about | Choose |
|---|---|
| The lowest annual cost on our assumptions | Ecotricity |
| Overall customer service | Ecotricity |
| A well-rated mobile app | Scottish Power |
| A greener fuel mix | Ecotricity |
Ecotricity wins on fixed prices and customer service, while Scottish Power is better for variable tariffs and app quality.
Choosing between Ecotricity and Scottish Power largely depends on preferred tariff structures and account management methods. Ecotricity provides a lower-priced fixed deal and scores higher in independent customer service ratings, which may suit households looking to lock in rates and access faster phone support.
Alternatively, Scottish Power may appeal to those seeking a standard variable tariff or a highly rated mobile application. Its variable option costs less than Ecotricity's, and its apps receive stronger feedback from tens of thousands of users. For households prioritising green energy, Ecotricity supplies a 100% renewable electricity mix, while Scottish Power relies heavily on fossil fuels. We have set our confidence in this verdict to high, as the data indicates a clear division in each supplier's strengths.
- Cheaper fixed tariff
- Higher Citizens Advice and Which? scores
- Faster average call centre wait time
- 100% renewable electricity mix
- Standard variable tariff is more expensive
- £200 exit fee on the cheapest fixed tariff
- Very low app ratings
- Cheaper standard variable tariff
- Highly rated mobile apps
- No exit fees on the cheapest fixed tariff
- Fixed tariff is more expensive
- Lower Citizens Advice and Which? scores
- Slower call centre wait times
Frequently asked questions
Which supplier is better overall, Ecotricity or Scottish Power?
The right choice depends on your priorities. Ecotricity offers a cheaper fixed tariff and scores higher for customer service, while Scottish Power provides a cheaper standard variable tariff and much better mobile apps.
Which supplier offers the cheapest energy tariff?
Ecotricity has the cheapest overall tariff with its 24-month fixed deal, which costs £1,559 a year. However, if you want a standard variable tariff, Scottish Power is cheaper at £1,611 a year compared to Ecotricity's £1,813.
Do customers prefer Ecotricity or Scottish Power?
Scottish Power has a slightly higher Trustpilot score of 4.4 out of 5 based on a massive volume of reviews, compared to Ecotricity's 4.2. However, Ecotricity performs better in the annual Which? energy survey, scoring 66 to Scottish Power's 56.
Are the Ecotricity and Scottish Power apps any good?
Scottish Power offers a highly rated app, scoring 4.8 on the App Store and 4.7 on Google Play from tens of thousands of users. The Ecotricity app receives very low ratings of under 3 stars on both platforms, though this is based on a small number of reviews.
Which supplier has better customer service?
Ecotricity scores higher with Citizens Advice, ranking 7th overall with a score of 3.36 out of 5. Scottish Power ranks 10th with a score of 2.94. Ecotricity also answers phone calls faster on average.
Should I choose Ecotricity or Scottish Power?
If you want a cheap fixed tariff and fast customer service, Ecotricity is a strong choice. If you prefer a cheaper variable tariff and a highly rated app to manage your account, Scottish Power is the better option.
Does Ecotricity or Scottish Power charge exit fees?
Ecotricity charges a £200 exit fee on its cheapest 24-month fixed tariff. Scottish Power does not charge an exit fee on its cheapest 12-month fixed tariff or its standard variable tariff.
Does Ecotricity or Scottish Power have a greener fuel mix?
Ecotricity supplies a 100% renewable electricity mix. Scottish Power's electricity mix relies heavily on fossil fuels, which make up 84% of its supply.
Do Ecotricity and Scottish Power offer fixed energy tariffs?
Yes, both suppliers offer fixed tariffs. Ecotricity's cheapest fixed deal lasts for 24 months, while Scottish Power's cheapest fixed option is a 12-month contract.
How long does it take to speak to someone on the phone?
According to Citizens Advice data, Ecotricity customers wait an average of 45 seconds to get through to a call centre agent. Scottish Power customers wait slightly longer, averaging 1 minute 16 seconds.
What changed this month
This month, Scottish Power's iOS sampled positive reviews rose from 1 to 3, Scottish Power's iOS sampled reviews avg stars rose from 2.33 to 6, and Ecotricity's iOS sampled positive reviews fell from 1 to 0. There were 22 other data changes this month — see the full changelog below for details.
Data changes this month (33)
Ecotricity
- Trustpilot reviews6,590 → 6,635
- Trustpilot negative reviews replied %100 → 94
- iOS app ratings count110 → 111
- iOS app days since last update47 → 77
- iOS sampled reviews avg stars2.33 → 1.67
- iOS sampled positive reviews1 → 0
- iOS sampled neutral reviews0 → 1
- Play Store rating2.75 → 2.82
- Play Store ratings count181 → 182
- Play Store days since last update47 → 76
- Play Store positive ratings %38 → 40
- Play Store negative ratings %52 → 50
- Play Store neutral ratings %10.1 → 10
- Play Store net-positive %-14 → -10
- Cheapest variable tariff£2,032.01 → £1,813.46
- Cheapest fixed tariff£1,677.29 → £1,558.98
- Cheapest tariff£1,677.29 → £1,558.98
Scottish Power
- Trustpilot reviews198,589 → 203,838
- Trustpilot negative reviews replied %91 → 92
- iOS app ratings count86,000 → 87,000
- iOS app days since last update26 → 28
- iOS sampled reviews avg stars2.33 → 6
- iOS sampled positive reviews1 → 3
- iOS sampled negative reviews2 → 0
- Play Store rating4.7281113 → 4.731496
- Play Store ratings count95,532 → 96,905
- Play Store days since last update27 → 28
- Play Store positive ratings %94.2 → 94.3
- Play Store neutral ratings %1.3 → 1.2
- Play Store net-positive %89.7 → 89.8
- Cheapest variable tariff£1,804.74 → £1,610.81
- Cheapest fixed tariff£1,990.1 → £1,829.85
- Cheapest tariff£1,804.74 → £1,610.81
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Written by
Rob Gibbs
Hi, I'm Rob, and I run Energy-Review.co.uk. I initially started this project in 2018 when I was looking to switch energy suppliers and found there wasn't a website that provided simple, data-backed reviews on all the suppliers available. Since then, I have spent a lot of time (too much, some may say!) looking at all publicly available data about each supplier and writing reviews using this information. These reviews are updated as regularly as possible, and any data is backed up by a source where necessary. I have also started writing guides on various energy-related topics, which hopefully you will find useful. If you find any issues, please use our contact form to let us know.