Tomato Energy is a UK-based electricity supplier that entered the market in 2023, aiming to provide innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions tailored to individual customer lifestyles. In this Tomato Energy review, we’ll take a look what makes them different, how cheap they are, and what early reviews from customers say.
Who is Tomato Energy?
Established in 2023, Tomato Energy focuses on offering electricity tariffs that align with customers’ specific energy usage patterns. Their mission is to deliver affordable and sustainable energy solutions, leveraging technology to cater to diverse household needs.
Key points about Tomato Energy
- Personalised Tariffs: Utilising proprietary technology, Tomato Energy designs tariffs based on customers’ lifestyles, allowing for potential savings compared to standard plans.
- Sustainable Initiatives: Through programmes like Tomatopia, Tomato Energy provides households with solar panels and batteries at no upfront cost, promotes renewable energy adoption, and offers fixed electricity rates for five years.
- Customer Engagement: The company emphasises accessible customer service, offering support via phone and email during standard business hours.
Who owns/runs Tomato Energy?
Tomato Energy is led by CEO Farouk Alhassan, who directs the company’s strategy and operations. His leadership focuses on combining sustainable practices with customer-centric energy solutions.
What do Tomato Energy reviews say?
Tomato Energy has garnered a mix of reviews across various platforms. Here is a detailed look:
- Trustpilot Reviews: On Trustpilot, Tomato Energy has received feedback praising its innovative tariffs and renewable energy programmes. However, concerns about customer service responsiveness and billing issues have been noted. Overall, they have a rating of 4.1 out of 5 from over 500 reviews.
- Form Feedback: Discussions on platforms like MoneySavingExpert highlight interest in Tomato Energy’s unique offerings but raise concerns about their ability to meet customer expectations consistently. Additionally, regarding data provision under the Energy Price Guarantee, Ofgem‘s investigation into Tomato Energy in December 2023 indicates regulatory scrutiny.
What makes Tomato Energy different?
- Lifestyle-Based Tariffs: Tomato Energy offers tariffs that reflect customers’ daily routines, with variable rates throughout the day to encourage energy use during off-peak times.
- Renewable Energy Programmes: Initiatives like Tomatopia aim to make renewable energy accessible by providing solar panels and batteries without upfront costs. This programme locks in electricity bills for five years, starting from £99.99 per month.
- Innovative Customer Support: Tomato Energy differentiates itself by promoting customer engagement and offering flexibility in billing, including dynamic pricing and support for real-time energy management through smart meters.
How green is Tomato Energy?
While Tomato Energy sources electricity from the wholesale market, resulting in a residual fuel mix, they focus on enabling customers to generate renewable energy through programmes like Tomatopia. This goes beyond relying solely on Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). They have decided against using REGOs, with a thorough explanation here on why they made this decision.
What are Tomato Energy’s tariffs and prices like?
Tomato Energy offers a variety of tariff options designed to meet different needs. Below is a breakdown:
Tomato Smile Tariff
This time-of-use tariff features variable rates throughout the day, encouraging customers to shift energy consumption to off-peak periods for potential savings. The tariff includes:
Off-Peak Rates: Significantly lower rates during late-night hours.
Peak Rates: Higher rates during peak demand times, typically between 5 pm and 9 pm.
Tomato Lifestyle Tariff
A 12-month fixed tariff tailored for electric-only properties with rates that vary by time of day
Example rates:
- 00:00 to 06:00: 5.00p per kWh
- 06:00 to 09:30: 23.16p per kWh
- 09:30 to 11:30: 13.37p per kWh
- 11:30 to 22:00: 23.16p per kWh
- 22:00 to 00:00: 13.37p per kWh
Tomato Agile Tariff
Offering real-time pricing that changes every 30 minutes based on wholesale market rates, this tariff provides:
- Dynamic Pricing: Unit rates fluctuate, with recent quotes showing ranges from 8.5p to 15p per kWh.
Customers with flexible energy usage patterns can capitalize on lower rates during periods of low demand.
This is similar to the tariff offered by Octopus Energy.
Tomato Intensity Fixed Tariff
A 12-month fixed-rate tariff designed for budget certainty, featuring:
- Fixed Unit Rate: Consistent pricing per kWh throughout the contract term.
- Standing Charge: Standard daily fee.
It is ideal for customers seeking stability in their energy bills.
Tomato Export Tariffs
For customers generating their own electricity (e.g., via solar panels), Tomato Energy offers export tariffs:
- Tomato Smile Export v1: Pays the real-time value for excess energy exported to the grid, with unit rates changing every 30 minutes based on wholesale prices.
A fully functioning smart meter is required to participate.
Tomatopia Programme
Provides solar panels and batteries at no upfront cost, with fixed electricity bills for five years starting from £99.99 per month.
How can I contact Tomato Energy?
- Phone: 01256 644 064 (Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm)
- Email: customer.care@tomato.energy
- Website: www.tomato.energy
Tomato Energy offers a fresh and innovative approach to energy supply in the UK. Their focus on personalised tariffs, renewable energy programmes, and accessible customer service positions them as a competitive choice for eco-conscious and cost-savvy consumers. However, potential customers should consider their mixed customer reviews and regulatory scrutiny to make an informed decision.
