OVO Energy Utility Warehouse (July 2026)
Overview
OVO Energy is our overall winner for its stronger customer service and faster response times, though Utility Warehouse offers cheaper tariffs for those willing to bundle services.
OVO Energy is the overall winner in this comparison, driven by stronger customer service metrics and a slightly higher iOS app rating. Utility Warehouse provides cheaper fixed and variable tariffs, although accessing its lowest rates typically requires bundling energy with other household services.
About OVO Energy and Utility Warehouse
Who are OVO Energy?
OVO Energy was founded in 2009 and has grown to become one of the UK's largest domestic energy suppliers. The company is privately owned, with its founder Stephen Fitzpatrick remaining a major shareholder alongside investors such as Mitsubishi Corporation. It recently announced a planned agreement to become part of E.ON, which would increase its scale in the UK market. It also offers a 'Beyond' energy savings account and rewards programme, alongside a 'Power Move' scheme that rewards customers for using electricity at greener times of the day.
Who are Utility Warehouse?
Utility Warehouse was set up in 2002 as a subsidiary of Telecom Plus PLC. Today, it is one of the UK's largest energy suppliers and operates as a unique multi-service provider. Rather than traditional advertising, the company relies on a network of independent partners who recommend its services. What sets Utility Warehouse apart is its multi-service bundling model. It offers energy, broadband, mobile, and home insurance. Customers who bundle multiple services together get access to cheaper energy tariffs, a cashback card for everyday spending, and simplified billing with all services on one monthly statement.
Use our referral link, and we'll both get £50 credit once your switch is complete.
Existing customer? Find out how you can benefit too. T&Cs apply (only one switching offer per household)
Tariffs and pricing
Utility Warehouse currently provides the cheaper overall deal in this comparison. Its lowest-priced plan is the UW Fixed Saver 90, a fixed tariff costing £1,671 a year. In contrast, OVO Energy's most affordable option is the 1 Year Fixed + Boiler Cover 09 July 2026, priced at £1,797 a year. Both tariffs require a 12-month commitment and include exit fees. Utility Warehouse applies a £150 total exit fee, whereas OVO Energy charges £100.
For households seeking a variable tariff, Utility Warehouse also supplies the cheaper option. Its UW Tracker Saver 2 tariff is estimated at £1,683 a year and has a £150 total exit fee. OVO Energy's lowest-priced variable deal, the Simpler Energy tariff, costs £1,805 a year. Consumers should note that Utility Warehouse typically reserves its lowest rates for customers who combine their energy plan with additional home services, such as broadband or insurance.
OVO Energy and Utility Warehouse: Tariff Options
OVO Energy tariffs
OVO Energy offers a range of standard variable and fixed-term options, alongside specialist plans for electric vehicle owners and homes with solar panels.
Utility Warehouse tariffs
Utility Warehouse provides standard variable, fixed-term, and tracker options, as well as a specialist time-of-use plan for electric vehicle owners.
Customer reviews
OVO Energy holds a higher Trustpilot rating of 4.7, drawn from a very high volume of reviews, while Utility Warehouse scores 4.2 from a large review base. OVO Energy receives a greater proportion of top marks, with 77% of its reviewers awarding five stars, compared to 70% for Utility Warehouse. Conversely, 14% of Utility Warehouse reviews are one-star, whereas OVO Energy records 9%. Both suppliers respond to 99% of their negative feedback.
Review text indicates that OVO Energy customers frequently commend staff helpfulness and report positive customer service experiences. Many highlight fast response times, though a subset of users cite poor communication and unresolved smart meter issues. Utility Warehouse reviews also mention polite staff and competitive pricing for bundled services. On the downside, some Utility Warehouse customers note long waiting times and difficulties regarding broadband connections or smart meter installations.
In the annual Which? survey, Utility Warehouse achieves a higher overall score of 69, compared to 61 for OVO Energy. Utility Warehouse leads in the customer service and value for money categories, scoring 3 out of 5 in both, while OVO Energy receives 2 out of 5. Both suppliers perform strongly on the Which? sub-score for helping those who need it; Utility Warehouse achieves a perfect 10 out of 10, and OVO Energy scores 9 out of 10.
App quality and ratings
Both suppliers provide well-rated apps on the App Store. OVO Energy scores 4.6 on iOS, while Utility Warehouse follows closely with 4.5. Both iOS applications have received very recent updates. A small sample of recent iOS reviews for OVO Energy indicates largely positive feedback, with users noting the app's detail and usability. Conversely, a sample of recent Utility Warehouse iOS reviews reveals some user frustration, particularly regarding top-ups and broadband management.
Utility Warehouse takes a clear lead on Google Play, holding a rating of 4.2 across more than 500,000 installs. OVO Energy scores 3.3 on the same platform, despite recording over 1,000,000 installs. The Android apps for both suppliers have also been updated very recently.
Service and support
According to the latest Citizens Advice data, OVO Energy ranks 8th overall with a score of 3.3 out of 5. Utility Warehouse places lower in 14th position with a score of 2.45. The two suppliers record a similar volume of complaints: OVO Energy sees 39.5 complaints per 10,000 customers, while Utility Warehouse registers 38.1. Both companies maintain formal vulnerability commitments with Citizens Advice.
OVO Energy connects calls significantly faster than Utility Warehouse. Its average call centre wait time is 1 minute 33 seconds, whereas Utility Warehouse customers wait an average of 7 minutes 16 seconds. OVO Energy also demonstrates faster email responsiveness, replying to 98.5% of emails within two days, compared to 40.5% for Utility Warehouse. Additionally, OVO Energy reports a social media response time of 6 minutes 53 seconds; Utility Warehouse does not publish this specific metric.
OVO Energy operates its phone lines on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, remaining closed over the weekend. Utility Warehouse offers weekday support from 8:30am to 5pm and extends its hours to include Saturdays from 9am to 4:30pm. Citizens Advice notes that both suppliers accept Direct Debit, Cash/Cheque, and Prepayment methods.
Complaints and performance
In the last three months of 2025, OVO Energy received fewer complaints than Utility Warehouse. OVO Energy recorded 1,651 complaints for every 100,000 customers, while Utility Warehouse had 1,815.
Green Energy Comparison
OVO Energy's green commitments
OVO Energy's standard electricity mix is largely fossil fuels, with some renewable and nuclear energy. The company has a 'Plan Zero' strategy to reach net zero across its operations by 2035. In 2023, OVO stopped relying on Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates as standard. Instead, for customers on its Greener Electricity upgrade, it buys electricity directly from UK renewable generators through Power Purchase Agreements. It also states that it has planted 5 million trees in schools and communities across the country on behalf of its customers.[1][2]
Utility Warehouse's green commitments
Utility Warehouse's standard electricity mix is largely fossil fuels, with some nuclear energy. The company offers green tariffs backed by Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates, ensuring that the electricity used is matched by renewable generation. It also supports the Smart Export Guarantee, which allows customers who generate their own renewable electricity to receive payments for exporting it back to the grid.[3]
Our verdict
| If you care most about | Choose |
|---|---|
| The lowest annual cost on our assumptions | Utility Warehouse |
| Overall customer service | OVO Energy |
| A well-rated mobile app | OVO Energy |
| A greener fuel mix | OVO Energy |
OVO Energy is our overall winner for its stronger customer service and faster response times, though Utility Warehouse offers cheaper tariffs for those willing to bundle services.
OVO Energy is the overall winner in this comparison, supported by stronger customer service metrics and faster response times across both phone and email channels. It achieves a higher rank with Citizens Advice and maintains a higher Trustpilot rating, which may suit households prioritising support responsiveness.
For households whose primary focus is price, Utility Warehouse supplies cheaper tariffs. However, consumers should be aware that accessing its lowest rates generally requires bundling energy with other household services, such as broadband or mobile plans.
- Higher Citizens Advice score and overall rank
- Faster average call and email response times
- Higher Trustpilot rating
- Higher-priced fixed and variable tariffs in this comparison
- Lower overall Which? score
- Phone support is unavailable on weekends
- Cheaper fixed and variable tariffs available
- Higher overall Which? score
- Higher Google Play app rating
- Phone support is available on Saturdays
- Longer average call centre wait times
- Lower percentage of emails answered within two days
- Lowest tariff rates typically require bundling additional services
Frequently asked questions
Which supplier is better overall, OVO Energy or Utility Warehouse?
OVO Energy is our overall winner due to its stronger customer service metrics and higher Trustpilot rating. However, Utility Warehouse currently offers cheaper energy tariffs, particularly for customers who bundle their energy with other household services.
Does OVO Energy or Utility Warehouse have the cheaper fixed tariff?
Utility Warehouse currently offers the cheaper fixed deal. Its UW Fixed Saver 90 tariff costs £1,671 a year, compared to £1,797 a year for OVO Energy's cheapest fixed option.
Who has better customer reviews, OVO Energy or Utility Warehouse?
OVO Energy performs better on Trustpilot with a rating of 4.7, compared to 4.2 for Utility Warehouse. However, Utility Warehouse scores higher in the annual Which? survey, achieving an overall score of 69 against OVO Energy's 61.
Are the OVO Energy and Utility Warehouse apps easy to use?
Both suppliers offer highly rated apps on the App Store, scoring 4.6 and 4.5 respectively. On Google Play, Utility Warehouse takes a clear lead with a rating of 4.2, while OVO Energy scores 3.3.
Which supplier answers the phone faster, OVO Energy or Utility Warehouse?
OVO Energy answers calls much faster. Its average call centre wait time is 1 minute 33 seconds, whereas Utility Warehouse customers wait an average of 7 minutes 16 seconds to speak to an agent.
Should I switch to OVO Energy or Utility Warehouse?
If you want fast customer service and highly rated support, OVO Energy is the stronger choice. If price is your main priority, Utility Warehouse offers cheaper tariffs, though its lowest rates often require you to take out additional home services.
Do OVO Energy and Utility Warehouse charge exit fees?
Yes, the cheapest fixed tariffs from both suppliers come with exit fees. Utility Warehouse charges a £150 total exit fee on its cheapest fixed deal, while OVO Energy charges £100.
Do OVO Energy and Utility Warehouse open their phone lines on weekends?
Utility Warehouse opens its phone lines on Saturdays from 9am to 4:30pm, but is closed on Sundays. OVO Energy's phone lines are closed across the entire weekend.
How do OVO Energy and Utility Warehouse perform in the Which? survey?
Utility Warehouse achieves an overall Which? score of 69, leading on customer service and value for money. OVO Energy scores 61 overall, though both suppliers score very highly for helping customers who need support.
Do I need to bundle services to get the best Utility Warehouse prices?
Yes, Utility Warehouse operates a multi-service model. While it offers standalone energy tariffs, its cheapest fixed and variable deals are designed for customers who also take out broadband, mobile, or insurance services.
What changed this month
This month, OVO Energy's cheapest tariff term changed from a variable tariff to a 12-month fixed deal, Utility Warehouse's cheapest tariff term changed from a variable tariff to a 12-month fixed deal, and Utility Warehouse's tariff count rose from 1 to 9. There were 42 other data changes this month — see the full changelog below for details.
Data changes this month (59)
OVO Energy
- Trustpilot reviews282,070 → 287,327
- iOS app days since last update0 → 13
- iOS sampled reviews avg stars4 → 4.2
- iOS sampled positive reviews2 → 4
- iOS sampled negative reviews0 → 1
- iOS sampled neutral reviews1 → 0
- Play Store rating3.4702382 → 3.2850413
- Play Store ratings count10,218 → 10,351
- Play Store days since last update29 → 14
- Play Store positive ratings %60.4 → 55.4
- Play Store negative ratings %35.3 → 40.2
- Play Store neutral ratings %4.3 → 4.5
- Play Store net-positive %25.1 → 15.2
- Citizens Advice rank10 → 8
- Citizens Advice score2.76 → 3.3
- Complaints per 10,000 customers42.6 → 39.5
- Avg call centre wait time254 → 93
- Avg social media response time1267 → 413
- Emails responded within 2 days %83.6 → 98.5
- Cheapest fixed tariffnow available (£1,797.13)
- Cheapest tariff£1,804.82 → £1,797.13
- Cheapest tariff exit fee£0 → £100
- Cheapest tariff termvariable → 12 months
- Cheapest fixed tariff exit feenow available (£100)
- Cheapest fixed tariff termnow available (12 months)
- Tariff count1 → 5
- Fixed tariffs available0 → 4
- Shortest fixed termnow available (12 months)
- Longest fixed termnow available (24 months)
Utility Warehouse
- Trustpilot rating4.3 → 4.2
- Trustpilot reviews78,116 → 79,523
- iOS app days since last update3 → 13
- iOS sampled reviews avg stars2.67 → 2.4
- iOS sampled positive reviews1 → 2
- iOS sampled negative reviews2 → 3
- Play Store rating4.2325583 → 4.202414
- Play Store ratings count11,042 → 11,089
- Play Store days since last update22 → 14
- Play Store positive ratings %80.6 → 79.5
- Play Store negative ratings %14.9 → 15.6
- Play Store neutral ratings %4.6 → 4.9
- Play Store net-positive %65.7 → 63.9
- Citizens Advice rank12 → 14
- Citizens Advice score2.66 → 2.45
- Complaints per 10,000 customers34.4 → 38.1
- Avg call centre wait time176 → 436
- Emails responded within 2 days %69.7 → 40.5
- Cheapest variable tariff£1,583.12 → £1,682.7
- Cheapest fixed tariffnow available (£1,670.87)
- Cheapest tariff£1,583.12 → £1,670.87
- Cheapest tariff exit fee£0 → £150
- Cheapest tariff termvariable → 12 months
- Cheapest fixed tariff exit feenow available (£150)
- Cheapest fixed tariff termnow available (12 months)
- Tariff count1 → 9
- Fixed tariffs available0 → 3
- Variable tariffs available1 → 6
- Shortest fixed termnow available (12 months)
- Longest fixed termnow available (12 months)
Related comparisons
Related reviews
Utility Warehouse Review
Utility Warehouse is one of the UK's biggest domestic energy suppliers. The brand is owned by Telecom Plus PLC, a company set up in 1996 that originally ran from a pub in Henley-on-Thames before growing into a business listed on the London Stock Exchange. Utility Warehouse itself was started in Nort
Read review→
OVO Energy Review
Set up in 2009, OVO Energy is one of the UK's largest domestic energy suppliers. The company grew significantly when it completed its purchase of SSE Energy Services in 2020.
Read review→
Cheapest Energy Suppliers in the UK
During summer, when heating usage typically drops, many households take the opportunity to reassess their energy bills. When comparing deals this month, your main choice is between the price certainty of a fixed tariff, the flexibility of a variable option, or a tracker tariff that moves with wholes
Read article→Related guides
Who is cheaper than British Gas? (2026)
British Gas is one of the UK's largest energy suppliers, but staying on its default standard variable tariff is currently one of the most expensive ways to pay for your gas and electricity. Following a 13% rise in the Ofgem price cap on 1 July 2026, household energy bills have jumped again, driven b
Read guide→
How to avoid exit fees when you switch energy suppliers
Energy bills make up a large part of household spending. Following the July 2026 price cap increase of around 13%, Ofgem gives a typical annual Direct Debit bill of £1,862 using its existing typical-consumption values; its updated values give £1,663. Because of this rise, many people are looking to
Read guide→
Octopus Energy Agile Tariff Review 2026
Most UK households pay a flat rate for their electricity. Whether you boil the kettle at three in the morning or roast a chicken at six in the evening, the price for each unit of power stays exactly the same. The Octopus Energy Agile tariff takes a completely different approach. It is a dynamic, tim
Read guide→
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.