ScottishPower: Tariffs, Prices, Smart Meters and Customer Support (2024 Guide)

About ScottishPower

ScottishPower is one of the UK’s largest domestic energy suppliers and part of the Iberdrola group. Headquartered in Glasgow, it supplies electricity and gas to homes across Great Britain and also invests heavily in onshore and offshore wind generation.

• Coverage: England, Scotland and Wales (not Northern Ireland)
• Products: Electricity, gas, dual fuel, time-of-use tariffs (availability varies), smart meters and smart prepayment
• Extras: Home energy products such as EV chargers, solar panels and batteries (check availability on ScottishPower’s website)

Why choose ScottishPower

• Big, established brand: Long-standing supplier with nationwide support and digital account management.
• Green focus: A significant share of electricity is supported by UK renewable generation from the Iberdrola/ScottishPower wind portfolio. Many fixed tariffs offer 100% renewable electricity backed by certificates. Always check tariff specifics.
• Smart-ready: SMETS2 smart meters with usage insights, optional time-of-use pricing on selected plans.
• Choice of payment methods: Monthly Direct Debit, on receipt of bill, and prepayment options.
• Help for vulnerable customers: Priority Services Register, Warm Home Discount participation, and a hardship fund (eligibility applies).

Tariffs and prices

ScottishPower typically offers a Standard Variable Tariff (subject to the Ofgem price cap) and a range of fixed-rate plans that can include incentives such as paperless billing, smart meter optimization or green electricity. Availability and pricing change frequently.

What to know before you choose

• Variable tariff: Unit rates and standing charges can go up or down. The Ofgem price cap limits the maximum a typical supplier can charge customers on default tariffs, but your actual costs depend on usage and region.
• Fixed tariffs: Lock in unit rates for a set term (e.g., 12–24 months). Exit fees may apply if you switch or move tariff early. Check the tariff sheet for exact charges per fuel.
• Payment methods: Direct Debit may secure lower rates than pay-on-bill. Prepayment prices are also regulated by the cap.
• Online/account-only plans: Some deals require managing your account digitally.

Tip: The cheapest tariff for you depends on your annual kWh usage. Use your latest bill or smart meter data to get an accurate quote.

Smart meters and the ScottishPower app

ScottishPower installs SMETS2 smart meters across Great Britain. With a smart meter you can see near real-time usage on an In-Home Display, track spending and remove the need for manual readings.

• For credit customers: Automatic meter reads, usage graphs, and easier billing.
• For prepayment: Smart top-ups via app or online, and low-balance alerts.
• App & online account: Submit readings (if needed), view bills, change tariff, and manage payments.

Renewable electricity & sustainability

ScottishPower emphasizes wind generation within its group and frequently offers tariffs that provide 100% renewable electricity backed by certificates (such as REGO) from UK sources. The exact fuel mix disclosure is published annually and varies year to year.

• Many fixed plans include 100% renewable electricity – verify the tariff terms before you sign up.
• Energy-saving tips and usage insights are available through the app and online account.
• Optional add-ons and home energy products (e.g., solar, batteries, EV chargers) may be available.

Support, Priority Services Register and Warm Home Discount

ScottishPower provides extra help for eligible households:

• Priority Services Register (PSR): Free support for customers in vulnerable situations (e.g., accessibility needs, medical dependency). You can register directly with the supplier.
• Warm Home Discount (WHD): ScottishPower participates in the scheme. Eligibility and how discounts are awarded are set by the UK Government and differ between England & Wales and Scotland. Check current scheme rules and deadlines each winter.
• Hardship support: ScottishPower has operated a hardship fund to help eligible customers in financial difficulty. Availability and criteria can change; see the supplier’s website for the latest details.

If you’re struggling to pay, contact ScottishPower early to discuss payment plans, budget schemes or short-term support.

Prepayment and smart top-up

ScottishPower supports traditional prepayment meters and smart prepayment. With a smart prepayment meter, you can usually top up online or via the app and monitor your balance in real time.

• Prepayment tariffs are also subject to the Ofgem price cap.
• Emergency and friendly credit features may be available on smart meters.
• Consider switching to credit with a smart meter if eligible, as it can unlock more tariff options.

Moving home with ScottishPower

Tell ScottishPower your move-in and move-out dates as early as possible. Submit opening/closing meter readings for accurate billing. You can usually transfer your tariff to your new address, subject to availability and meter type.

Export & microgeneration (Smart Export Guarantee)

If you have solar panels or other microgeneration, you may be eligible for payments for exported electricity under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). ScottishPower has offered SEG export tariffs; availability, eligibility and rates change over time. Check ScottishPower’s website for the latest export options and how to apply.

How to switch to or from ScottishPower with Energy Plus

1. Get your usage: Grab your annual kWh figures from a recent bill (or estimate with our tool).
2. Compare deals: We’ll show ScottishPower plans alongside other suppliers, tailored to your usage and region.
3. Choose and apply: Pick your tariff. The new supplier handles the switch; there’s no interruption to your supply.
4. Cooling-off period: Most domestic contracts include a 14-day cooling-off window.

Switching usually completes in about 5 working days after the cooling-off period, though timelines can vary.

Customer service, complaints and emergencies

• Manage your account: Use the app or online portal for billing, meter reads and payments.
• Complaints: If you have an issue, raise it with ScottishPower first. If it’s not resolved within 8 weeks (or you receive a deadlock letter), you can escalate to the Energy Ombudsman.
• Independent ratings: Check the latest Citizens Advice and Ofgem publications for supplier performance and complaints data.
• Emergencies: If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency number 0800 111 999 immediately. For power cuts, call 105 to reach your local network operator.

ScottishPower FAQs

Is ScottishPower 100% renewable?

Many ScottishPower fixed tariffs supply 100% renewable electricity, typically backed by UK REGO certificates and the company’s wind generation. Always check the tariff information label for the latest details.

Are there exit fees?

Exit fees often apply to fixed-term deals if you leave early. Fees vary by tariff and by fuel. Variable tariffs generally have no exit fees. Review the terms before switching.

Does ScottishPower support smart meters?

Yes. ScottishPower installs SMETS2 smart meters nationwide and supports smart features via its app, including smart prepayment on eligible meters.

Does ScottishPower offer the Warm Home Discount?

ScottishPower participates in the Government’s Warm Home Discount scheme. Eligibility is determined by scheme rules and may differ between England & Wales and Scotland. Check current guidance each winter.

How does the Ofgem price cap affect ScottishPower prices?

The cap limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge typical customers on default variable tariffs. It doesn’t cap your total bill, which depends on how much energy you use.

Can I get time-of-use or EV-friendly tariffs?

ScottishPower has offered time-of-use pricing on selected plans, particularly for smart meter and EV owners. Availability can change; check current tariffs when you quote.

Where does ScottishPower supply?

ScottishPower supplies homes across Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). It does not supply households in Northern Ireland.

Important information

• Information on this page is a general guide based on publicly available details as of October 2024. Products and prices change frequently.
• Always read the tariff information label and terms before switching. Final rates depend on your region, meter type and usage.
• Energy Plus is an independent comparison service and is not affiliated with ScottishPower.