Who Are Ecotricity? | UK Business Energy Supplier Guide
Last verified: March 2026 | Report outdated information
On This Page
- About Ecotricity
- The Ecotricity Business Checklist
- Security
- Transparency
- Convenience
- Services
- Environmental
- Sector Fit Assessment
- Telnergy’s Take
- Is Ecotricity Right For You?
- Get in Touch
About Ecotricity
Ecotricity holds a distinction that no other energy supplier in the world can claim: it was the first green electricity company ever founded. Established in 1995 by Dale Vince in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Ecotricity was born from a simple conviction — that energy bills should fund the building of new renewable generation, not the extraction of fossil fuels. Nearly thirty years later, that principle remains the organising logic of everything Ecotricity does.
The company is structured as a not-for-dividend business, meaning profits are not paid out to external shareholders. Instead, customer revenue is reinvested into building new wind parks, sun parks, and green gas mills across the UK — a model it calls Bills into Mills. This is not a marketing slogan but a structural commitment: Ecotricity’s Articles of Association prevent it from distributing profits in the conventional sense.
Ecotricity built the UK’s first megawatt windmill and the country’s first grid-scale sun park. It pioneered green gas supply from biogas generated from agricultural and food waste — a genuine, locally-produced renewable gas at a time when most suppliers offering “green gas” rely entirely on carbon offset certificates. It is the only energy company recognised by The Vegan Society for supplying vegan green energy (certified free from animal-derived materials in the generation process), and the only supplier in the UK to hold EMAS accreditation — the European gold standard for environmental management systems.
For business customers, Ecotricity serves SMEs and larger commercial clients with dedicated account management, 100% green electricity, and frack-free green gas. It has been named a Which? Eco Provider for five consecutive years (2021–2025), recognising its authentic environmental leadership.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Stroud, Gloucestershire |
| Founder | Dale Vince |
| Structure | Not-for-dividend company |
| Business Phone | 0345 600 1994 |
| Business Email | Via account management / website contact |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.3/5 (~6,500 reviews) |
| Which? Recognition | Eco Provider — 5 consecutive years (2021–2025) |
| Price Cap Exemption | Yes (SVT exempt — actively chosen by customers) |
| Notable Certifications | Vegan Society, EMAS, Which? Eco Provider |
The Ecotricity Business Checklist
Security
Are their prices fully fixed?
Ecotricity offers both fixed and variable tariff options for business customers:
Fixed-rate tariffs: Unit rates are locked for the contract duration, protecting against wholesale market rises. Fixed tariffs include Ecotricity’s forecast of what standing charges will be across the full contract term — providing greater billing transparency than suppliers that only quote commodity costs. Contract lengths are available up to a maximum of two years for most SME customers; larger businesses may negotiate bespoke terms.
Variable tariff (Green Variable): Unit rates move in line with wholesale market conditions and are reviewed every three months in line with Ofgem’s price cap update cycle. Ecotricity has shown willingness to absorb wholesale cost increases rather than pass them through immediately — for example, holding prices stable for Green Variable customers beyond the April 2025 increase. No exit fee applies to variable tariffs.
Important — Ecotricity’s standard variable tariff is exempt from the Ofgem price cap. Ecotricity has been granted a permanent price cap exemption on the basis that it goes above and beyond standard green energy requirements — specifically, its commitment to building new UK renewable generation, not just purchasing certificates. This means that in periods of regulated price cap reductions, Ecotricity’s variable rate may not automatically follow. Customers on the SVT must have actively chosen to be on it; Ecotricity cannot move customers onto an uncapped variable tariff without consent.
| Charge Type | Fixed | Variable |
|---|---|---|
| Commodity unit rate | ✓ Fixed | ✗ Variable (reviewed quarterly) |
| Standing charge | Included in forecast | ✗ Variable |
| Exit fee | ✓ £75 per fuel | ✗ None |
| Price cap applies | ✗ Exempt | ✗ Exempt (SVT) |
| VAT | Excluded (standard) | Excluded (standard) |
Back-billing policy
Ecotricity is an Energy UK member and adheres to the Back Billing Principle, limiting retrospective billing corrections to 12 months.
Credit requirements
Ecotricity conducts credit assessment for new business customers. Credit history, business age, and consumption profile are assessed. Contact Ecotricity directly on 0345 600 1994 to discuss eligibility if your business has a limited credit history.
Transparency
What is the termination process?
Fixed contracts: Exit fees of £75 per fuel apply for early termination during the contract minimum period. This is a flat fee — relatively modest compared to market-linked exit fee calculations charged by some suppliers — but is a real cost to factor into switching decisions. Notice to terminate at contract expiry should be given within the renewal window, which is typically 30–90 days before contract end.
Variable tariff: No exit fee. Customers on the Green Variable or out-of-contract rates can switch at any time without penalty, provided outstanding balances are settled.
Termination contact: 0345 600 1994, or via the business account portal.
What happens at contract end?
At the end of a fixed contract without renewal agreement, Ecotricity places customers on out-of-contract variable rates. These rates are significantly more expensive than fixed contract pricing — third-party analysis in September 2025 showed out-of-contract electricity rates of 36p/kWh (compared to typical fixed rates of 18.5–22p/kWh). The premium is real and material: businesses remaining on out-of-contract rates for six months can incur thousands of pounds in unnecessary costs.
Unlike SmartestEnergy’s SmartFlex (which is a transparently positioned rolling product), Ecotricity’s out-of-contract rates function as a default expensive fallback rather than a designed competitive product. This makes proactive renewal management essential for Ecotricity customers.
What about the price cap exemption?
Ecotricity’s SVT exemption from the Ofgem price cap means its variable tariff is not subject to the unit rate ceiling that applies to most suppliers. In practice, Ecotricity has historically priced its variable tariff competitively and has sometimes absorbed wholesale increases rather than passing them through. However, the absence of the regulatory ceiling is a structural risk for businesses remaining on variable supply over extended periods.
Is there a rollover period?
Ecotricity contacts customers ahead of contract expiry with renewal options. Businesses not renewing are moved to out-of-contract rates rather than into a new fixed-term contract without consent.
💬 Questions about Ecotricity business contracts? Our team can explain contract terms, exit fees, and compare Ecotricity across the market. Call: 01202 028888 | WhatsApp: 07360 272168 | Email: hello@telnergy.com
Convenience
Payment options
- Direct Debit (standard — variable or fixed budget plan)
- BACS bank transfer
- Online account portal payment
- 24-hour automated payment line (for prepayment and card payments)
Billing is issued monthly. Ecotricity operates a 24-hour payment line for emergency payments, which is useful for businesses needing to clear balances outside of standard office hours.
Online account management
Ecotricity provides an online account portal and mobile app for business customers. Features include meter reading submission, invoice history, usage monitoring, and payment management. The app is available for iOS and Android and can be used to submit readings, view statements, and report meter issues.
Smart metre data integrates with the portal for automatic reading submission and real-time consumption visibility.
Customer service standards
Ecotricity operates UK-based customer service from its Gloucestershire headquarters. Business customers with sufficient consumption are allocated a dedicated account manager — a personal point of contact for contract management, billing queries, and renewal negotiations. This is a differentiated service feature particularly relevant for businesses that want a named contact rather than a generic contact centre.
The Trustpilot rating of 4.3/5 from approximately 6,500 reviews reflects solid satisfaction, with reviews frequently citing warm, responsive service and knowledgeable staff — consistent with Ecotricity’s UK-based, mission-led culture. Phone hours for business enquiries: 0345 600 1994.
VAT declarations
Ecotricity supports VAT declarations for qualifying organisations — including residential care homes, hospices, and qualifying charities — and can process CCL exemption forms for eligible customers. Contact business customer services to initiate the process.
Services
Smart metres
Ecotricity works with specialist smart metre installation partners to provide SMETS2 smart metres to business customers. Installation is free. Customers are typically contacted within six weeks of joining to arrange installation. Smart metre availability may vary by area — customers can register interest and are notified when installation slots are available locally.
Smart Export Tariff (SET)
Ecotricity offers one of the most generous export tariffs on the market: 16p per kWh for electricity exported to the grid from solar panels or other on-site generation systems. This is a flat, guaranteed rate regardless of time of export — simpler and more predictable than dynamic export tariffs. Payment is made quarterly via invoice.
To access the SET, customers must have an Ecotricity import tariff. This export rate has been cited independently as among the most competitive for businesses with on-site generation.
Merchant Wind Power
For businesses consuming more than 1 GWh of electricity annually, Ecotricity’s Merchant Wind Power scheme provides the option to have a wind turbine built, operated, and maintained on-site by Ecotricity at no capital cost to the business. The turbine is owned by Ecotricity; the business benefits from access to low-cost on-site generation and a Power Purchase Agreement for the electricity produced. This is a niche but genuinely distinctive offering for manufacturers, agricultural businesses, large warehousing, or logistics operations with suitable sites.
Microtricity
For smaller businesses with solar panel installations generating over 250 kW, the Microtricity scheme provides a variable or fixed-price Power Purchase Agreement to purchase their exported generation. Ecotricity handles the relevant accreditation and subsidy scheme administration.
Green gas mill development
Ecotricity is one of the UK’s only suppliers actively developing new green gas generation. Its green gas mills produce biogas from agricultural and food waste — a closed-loop process that converts organic material from local farms into energy. This is material rather than certificate-purchased green gas, distinguishing Ecotricity from suppliers that offset conventional gas without changing the physical supply.
Multi-site and collective billing
Ecotricity can supply electricity and gas to businesses across multiple sites with collective billing — a single invoice covering all sites — which simplifies energy cost management for multi-site operators in retail, hospitality, and property management.
Environmental
Ecotricity’s environmental credentials are the most deeply substantiated of any supplier in this guide — not because it is the largest or generates the most renewable electricity, but because it has structured its entire business model around building new UK renewable generation rather than purchasing certificates to repackage existing supply.
100% green electricity
All Ecotricity electricity tariffs are 100% green, sourced from Ecotricity’s own wind and sun parks and supplemented by market purchases from other renewable generators. Certificates of origin are verifiable. The company has explicitly committed to never sourcing energy from fracking.
Ecotricity fuel mix:
| Source | Ecotricity | UK Average |
|---|---|---|
| Renewable | ~100% | 37.9% |
| Gas | 0% | 39.4% |
| Nuclear | 0% | 16.6% |
| Coal | 0% | 2.5% |
Ecotricity’s own generation currently meets approximately 10% of customer demand directly, with the remainder sourced from renewable market purchases backed by verified certificates. The company is actively building new generation capacity to increase its own-generation proportion.
Green gas
Ecotricity’s green gas is produced from agricultural and food waste — a genuinely renewable feedstock processed through anaerobic digestion at its green gas mills. This is one of the very few genuinely renewable gas supplies available in the UK commercial energy market. Other suppliers typically offer carbon-offset or biogas-certificate-backed gas rather than direct renewable supply. Ecotricity’s gas is also certified frack-free — it will never source gas from shale oil extraction.
Vegan green energy
Ecotricity is the only energy supplier in the UK certified by The Vegan Society for supplying vegan green energy — electricity and gas produced without the use of animal-derived materials in the generation process. This is relevant for vegan-owned businesses, B2C brands with vegan customer bases, or organisations with animal welfare commitments at board level.
EMAS accreditation
The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is the highest standard for environmental management certification in Europe, going beyond ISO 14001 in its requirements for public environmental reporting and continuous improvement verification. Ecotricity is the only UK energy supplier to hold EMAS accreditation.
Which? Eco Provider — five consecutive years
Which? awarded Ecotricity its Eco Provider designation for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, recognising its authentic commitment to renewable energy generation and environmental leadership beyond standard green tariff claims.
Bills into Mills
The Bills into Mills principle means that customer payments fund the construction of new UK renewable generation assets — wind parks, sun parks, and green gas mills — rather than being distributed as profit to external shareholders. This creates a direct causal link between customer energy spend and new clean energy infrastructure in the UK.
Sector Fit Assessment
| Sector | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | 100% green electricity and frack-free gas well suited for pubs, restaurants, and hotels with sustainability-focused branding or owner ethos. Fixed tariff up to 2 years and dedicated account manager add operational value. Out-of-contract rate risk requires careful management at renewal. |
| Manufacturing | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | Merchant Wind Power scheme for 1GWh+ sites is a genuinely distinctive offering for manufacturers with suitable site and sustainability ambitions. Standard fixed supply competitive. EMAS accreditation and vegan certification may be relevant for manufacturers with ESG supply chain requirements. |
| Retail | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | 100% green electricity and frack-free green gas support retailer sustainability credentials. Collective billing suits multi-site retail operators. Pricing is generally competitive but not always the lowest on the market — best suited to retailers where green provenance is a commercial or brand imperative. |
| Education | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | Ecotricity’s mission and not-for-dividend structure resonate with educational institutions’ values frameworks. 100% renewable electricity and frack-free gas support school net zero commitments. CCL exemption support available. Bills into Mills provides a tangible sustainability narrative for governors and parents. |
| Healthcare | ⭐⭐ Low–Moderate | Suitable for clinics and practices with sustainability commitments. VAT declaration support available. Not a specialist public sector supplier and lacks the framework procurement support of TotalEnergies or EDF. Pricing may not be the most competitive for cost-sensitive healthcare operations. |
| Automotive | ⭐⭐ Low–Moderate | Standard dual-fuel supply works for garages and dealerships. SET export tariff (16p/kWh) is relevant for dealerships or workshops investing in solar. Limited automotive-specific features. Better suited to EV-focused dealerships aligning sustainability credentials with their product range. |
| Professional Services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | Ecotricity’s authentic green credentials, not-for-dividend structure, and vegan certification can strengthen sustainability and ESG claims in client-facing professional services contexts. Dedicated account manager adds relationship value. Strong fit for law firms, accountancy practices, and consultancies with active sustainability commitments. |
| SMEs (General) | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | Ecotricity is the right choice for SMEs where green provenance is the primary driver — owners who want their energy bill to actively fund new UK renewable generation rather than simply purchase certificates. For price-first buyers, alternatives may be more competitive. |
📊 Want us to compare Ecotricity against the market for your sector? We can benchmark Ecotricity against 10+ suppliers across price and green credentials. Request a Free Comparison
Telnergy’s Take
Our Professional Assessment
Ecotricity is unlike any other supplier in this guide. Its credentials are not primarily commercial — they are structural. A not-for-dividend company founded thirty years ago on the principle that energy bills should build wind mills, not line shareholders’ pockets, is a genuinely different kind of organisation. For the right business — one where the owner’s environmental values and the company’s brand are deeply aligned with where their energy spend goes — Ecotricity is a compelling and authentic choice.
What we like:
Bills into Mills is the most credible green claim in the UK energy market. Certificates can be purchased by any supplier. Building wind parks cannot. Ecotricity’s commitment to reinvesting customer revenue into new UK renewable generation creates a direct, verifiable link between a business’s energy bill and the expansion of clean generation capacity in Britain. No other mainstream business energy supplier makes this claim with Ecotricity’s structural credibility.
Frack-free green gas is genuinely rare. Most suppliers offering “green gas” buy carbon certificates or offset credits. Ecotricity produces biogas from agricultural and food waste at its own green gas mills. The physical supply is genuinely different from the market norm, and the frack-free commitment is written into the company’s identity rather than being a tariff feature that could be withdrawn.
Vegan certification and EMAS accreditation are unique. No other UK energy supplier holds these simultaneously. For businesses in the food and beverage sector with vegan credentials, or any organisation with genuine animal welfare commitments, being able to state that your energy supplier is Vegan Society certified is a specific and verifiable differentiator.
Dedicated account manager for eligible business customers. Personal, named account management from a UK-based team in Stroud provides a quality of relationship that call-centre-based alternatives cannot replicate. Reviews frequently cite individual staff members by name — a reliable indicator of genuine relationship-based service culture.
Watch points:
Out-of-contract rates are very expensive. Analysis in September 2025 showed Ecotricity’s out-of-contract electricity rate at 36p/kWh — significantly above market fixed-rate pricing of 18.5–22p/kWh. Businesses that miss their renewal window face substantial cost exposure. Active contract lifecycle management is essential for Ecotricity customers — which is exactly what Telnergy provides.
Price cap exemption removes a regulatory safety net. Ecotricity’s SVT is not subject to the Ofgem price cap that limits how much other suppliers can charge on variable supply. Whilst Ecotricity has historically priced competitively and absorbed cost increases, the absence of the regulatory ceiling is a structural risk that distinguishes Ecotricity’s variable offering from regulated alternatives.
Pricing is not always market-leading on headline rates. Ecotricity’s fixed rates (18.5–22p/kWh) are competitive but not consistently the cheapest on the market. Businesses whose primary driver is price rather than green provenance will typically find better headline rates elsewhere. Ecotricity’s value proposition is environmental authenticity — not rock-bottom unit rates.
Maximum contract length of two years for most SMEs. For businesses seeking the cost certainty of three- to five-year fixed contracts available from other suppliers, Ecotricity’s current maximum SME contract length is a constraint.
Bottom line:
Ecotricity is the right supplier for business owners who genuinely care where their energy comes from — and who want their spend to directly fund new renewable generation in the UK. It is not primarily a price-competition play. For businesses with active sustainability commitments, vegan brand credentials, or founders who view their energy supplier as an expression of their values, Ecotricity warrants serious consideration. For cost-first buyers, it belongs on the comparison list but may not always win on headline rates.
Is Ecotricity Right For You?
✓ Consider Ecotricity if you:
- Want your energy bill to directly fund the building of new UK renewable generation (Bills into Mills)
- Need genuinely renewable gas from biogas produced from agricultural and food waste
- Require vegan-certified energy (Vegan Society recognised)
- Want a dedicated account manager and UK-based service team
- Have solar or wind generation and want an export tariff (SET at 16p/kWh)
- Qualify for the Merchant Wind Power scheme (1GWh+ sites with on-site space)
- Value EMAS environmental management accreditation in your supply chain
- Are in professional services, food & drink, or retail with authentic sustainability credentials to protect
✗ Consider alternatives if you:
- Need the lowest headline unit rate in the market (compare across suppliers via Telnergy)
- Want a fixed contract longer than two years
- Need sophisticated I&C or pass-through contract structures for large consumption
- Require 24/7 business customer service beyond standard office hours
- Want time-of-use smart tariffs (Ecotricity does not currently offer a business Agile or Trio equivalent)
Quick Comparison: Ecotricity vs Market
| Feature | Ecotricity | Market Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum fixed contract | 2 years | 1–5 years |
| Auto-rollover | No | Often yes |
| Exit fee on fixed contracts | £75 per fuel | Varies (£0–market-linked) |
| Out-of-contract rate (Sept 2025) | 36p/kWh | Varies |
| Price cap exemption (SVT) | Yes | No |
| 100% renewable electricity | Yes (all tariffs) | Varies |
| Green gas (biogas produced) | Yes (own mills) | Rarely genuine |
| Frack-free guarantee | Yes | Rarely |
| Vegan Society certified | Yes — unique | No |
| EMAS accreditation | Yes — unique | No |
| Bills into Mills reinvestment | Yes — structural | No |
| Dedicated account manager | Yes (eligible customers) | Rarely |
| Smart export tariff | 16p/kWh flat rate | Varies |
| Merchant Wind Power (1GWh+) | Yes | No |
| Which? Eco Provider | ✓ 5 consecutive years | No other supplier |
| Trustpilot | 4.3/5 (~6,500 reviews) | Varies |
Get in Touch
As an independent energy consultancy established in 2002, Telnergy can help you evaluate whether Ecotricity is the right choice for your business:
- Obtain Ecotricity quotes and benchmark against the wider market
- Advise on Merchant Wind Power scheme eligibility
- Manage contract lifecycle to prevent out-of-contract rate exposure
- Compare Ecotricity’s green credentials against alternatives with equivalent environmental claims
- Handle renewal negotiations and switching administration
Telnergy Contact Details
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 01202 028888 |
| 07360 272168 | |
| hello@telnergy.com | |
| Website | www.telnergy.uk |
Page last updated: March 2026
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References
- Ecotricity. (2026). Our Green Energy Tariffs. Retrieved from https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/support/our-energy-tariffs
- Ecotricity. (2026). Our Tariffs. Retrieved from https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/your-green-energy/our-tariffs
- Uswitch. (2025). Ecotricity Tariffs, Prices and Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/suppliers/ecotricity/
- GoCompare. (2025). Compare Ecotricity Tariffs. Retrieved from https://www.gocompare.com/gas-and-electricity/suppliers/ecotricity/
- The Smart Energy Company. (2025). Ecotricity Out of Contract Rates — September 2025 Update. Retrieved from https://www.smart-energy.uk
- BusinessEnergyUK. (2025). Ecotricity Business: Compare Tariff kWh Prices. Retrieved from https://www.businessenergyuk.com/suppliers/ecotricity/
- Telnergy. (n.d.). Transforming Your Energy Future Sustainably. Retrieved from /
Telnergy Limited is an independent commercial energy consultancy established in 2002, based in Christchurch, Dorset. Ofgem registered TPI · ADR Ref E3561 · CRN 04576876.