New UK Home Energy Suppliers Entering the Market in 2026

1. Green-first home energy suppliers

New suppliers are being built from day one around 100% renewable electricity and low-carbon gas alternatives such as biogas or green gas certificates. Expect clear carbon reporting, tree planting or carbon offset schemes, and strong smart-meter integration to help you track your usage in real time.

• • Renewable-only electricity tariffs
• • Home EV and solar integration options
• • Carbon footprint dashboards in their apps

2. Tech-led & app-based suppliers

Several new entrants are planning to run lean, digital-first operations, using mobile apps and automation instead of call centres. This can reduce overheads and help keep tariffs competitive for households who are comfortable managing their account online.

• • In-app sign-up and instant credit checks
• • Smart meter data visualisation
• • Real-time usage alerts and budgeting tools

3. Flexible & dynamic tariff suppliers

As the grid becomes smarter, more suppliers will offer dynamic or half-hourly pricing, rewarding homes that can shift usage to cheaper, greener times of day. These tariffs particularly suit households with EVs, home batteries, heat pumps and smart appliances.

• • Time-of-use electricity tariffs
• • EV-friendly overnight rates
• • Incentives for reducing peak-time demand

How New Suppliers Are Regulated in the UK

Every new UK home energy supplier needs a licence from Ofgem and must meet strict rules on financial resilience, customer service and billing. Following previous market volatility, requirements for 2026 and beyond are tougher than ever, which should help protect consumers.

When a new domestic supplier launches, it must:

• Offer clear, fair and non-misleading tariffs
• Safeguard customer credit balances
• Provide priority support for vulnerable households
• Participate in the Energy Ombudsman scheme

These safeguards mean you can try a new supplier with confidence, knowing that your supply is protected and that another provider will step in if anything goes wrong.

Benefits of Switching to a New 2026 Home Energy Supplier

New entrants often compete aggressively to win customers away from established brands. That can work to your advantage as a homeowner, especially if you're on a standard variable tariff or haven't switched for several years.

• Lower bills: Introductory offers and efficient operations can reduce your monthly costs.
• Greener power: Many new suppliers prioritise renewable generation and verified green tariffs.
• Better digital tools: Easy apps, online chat and usage graphs make managing your account simpler.
• Tariffs that match your lifestyle: From EV charging to home working, new tariffs can be tailored to how you use energy.

However, new doesn't always mean better. We recommend comparing both price and service, and checking reviews once the supplier has a track record.

1. Understand your current usage

Grab a recent bill and note your annual kWh usage for gas and electricity. New suppliers and comparison tools will use this to estimate your costs, so having accurate figures makes quotes more reliable.

• • Check if you're on a standard, fixed, or variable tariff
• • Note any exit fees and contract end dates
• • Identify when you use the most energy (evening, weekends, etc.)

2. Install or activate your smart meter

Smart meters are key to accessing many of the most innovative 2026 tariffs. They allow half-hourly readings, accurate billing, and usage-based rewards for shifting consumption to cheaper, greener times.

If you haven't already, contact your current supplier and request a smart meter installation before 2026. It's usually free for domestic customers.

3. Decide your priorities

When new suppliers launch, tariffs will vary widely. Decide what matters most for your home so you can shortlist the right deals quickly.

• • Lowest possible cost per month
• • 100% renewable electricity or low-carbon gas
• • Flexible terms with no exit fees
• • EV, solar or heat pump friendly tariffs
• • UK-based or extended customer support hours

What to Check Before Choosing a New Supplier

Once new UK home energy suppliers start going live in 2026, use this checklist before you switch:

• Tariff type and price: Is it fixed, variable, or time-of-use? How does the unit rate and standing charge compare with your current deal?
• Contract length & exit fees: Are you comfortable with the tie-in period? Are exit fees reasonable if prices change?
• Payment options: Can you pay by monthly Direct Debit, credit card, or on receipt of bill?
• Customer reviews: Check independent review platforms once the supplier has been operating for a while.
• Green credentials: Look for transparent information on how electricity is sourced and how gas is offset or decarbonised.
• Support for vulnerable customers: If needed, ensure they have a clear policy for priority services, payment plans and communication support.

Remember that you do not need to contact your old supplier to leave. Your new supplier will manage the switch for you, and your energy supply should not be interrupted.

Will new suppliers definitely launch in 2026?

Ofgem regularly receives licence applications, and several companies have already announced plans to enter or re-enter the UK residential gas and electricity market around 2026. However, exact launch dates can change due to regulation, funding and market conditions. We continuously track confirmed entrants and update our information as new suppliers go live.

Is it safe to switch to a brand new supplier?

Yes. Your physical gas and electricity are still delivered through the existing network, regardless of which supplier bills you. If a new supplier fails, Ofgem's Supplier of Last Resort process moves you to another licensed supplier and your supply continues. Direct Debits and credit balances are also protected in most scenarios.

Will 2026 tariffs be cheaper than my current deal?

Prices will still be influenced by global gas and power markets, so no one can guarantee cheaper tariffs. However, increased competition from new home energy suppliers, combined with smarter tariffs, should help many households find better value than default standard variable tariffs.

Do I need a smart meter to join new suppliers?

Not always, but many 2026 suppliers and tariffs will be designed around smart meter data. For the widest choice of deals and the most accurate billing, we strongly recommend getting a smart meter installed before you switch.