EDF Energy and Utilita Energy suit different households: EDF is stronger on price, app ratings and Citizens Advice results, while Utilita stands out for faster support and its Pay As You Go focus.
Quick answer
Overall winner: EDF Energy
EDF Energy is the better all-round choice based on the available data, with a cheaper variable tariff, higher Trustpilot and Citizens Advice ratings, and stronger app scores. Utilita Energy is worth considering if fast phone support, weekend opening hours or Pay As You Go energy are more important to you.
| If you care most about | Best choice |
| Lower annual cost | EDF Energy |
| Customer ratings | EDF Energy |
| App experience | EDF Energy |
| Faster phone support | Utilita Energy |
| Pay As You Go | Utilita Energy |
| Greener fuel mix | EDF Energy |
Key difference: EDF’s cheapest compared tariff is £1,755/year, £50 less than Utilita’s £1,805/year, while Utilita has the much shorter average call wait of 1 minute.
EDF Energy vs Utilita Energy at a Glance
| Feature | EDF Energy | Utilita Energy |
| Cheapest tariff | £1,755/year | £1,805/year |
| Trustpilot | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Citizens Advice | #11 · 2.90/5 | #15 · 2.35/5 |
| App rating | 4.6/5 iOS · 4.4/5 Android | 4.4/5 iOS · 4.1/5 Android |
| Customer service | Stronger overall score | Faster calls + weekend support |
| Green electricity mix | 20% renewable · 54% nuclear | 0% renewable · 11% nuclear |
| Best for | Price, app & overall value | PAYG & fast support |
Prices are based on the comparison assumptions and can vary by usage, region and payment method.
If you only wanted to know which supplier is better, you already have the answer above. But if you want to understand why one is better and whether that applies to you, the comparison below breaks down the important differences in simple terms.
1.Tariffs and pricing
EDF Energy and Utilita Energy take different approaches to pricing: EDF offers tracker and fixed options, while Utilita focuses heavily on flexible Smart Energy and Pay As You Go.
EDF Energy
CHEAPEST — TRACKER
Simply Tracker Sep27
£1,755/year
- Fixed-term tracker
- Rates can change with the Ofgem price cap
- £50 exit fee
- Best for: households comfortable with changing rates but wanting a discount against the cap
EDF’s cheapest deal in our comparison is the Simply Tracker Sep27 at £1,755/year. It is £50/year cheaper than Utilita’s £1,805 Smart Energy tariff. EDF confirms that its tracker rates can change every three months and that exit fees apply.
FIXED
Simply Fixed 2Yr Aug28
£1,824/year
- 24-month fixed term
- £150 exit fee
- Best for: households wanting longer-term price certainty
EDF also offers fixed tariffs where unit rates and standing charges are locked for the agreed term.
Utilita Energy
VARIABLE
Smart Energy
£1,805/year
- Flexible Smart Energy tariff
- No exit fee
- Strong focus on smart meters and PAYG
- Best for: customers who want greater control over their energy spending
Utilita’s Smart Energy tariff is designed around smart-meter usage, with features including emergency credit, friendly credit hours and real-time energy insights.
Verdict
EDF Energy wins on the headline annual price, coming in £50/year cheaper than Utilita’s compared tariff. However, Utilita can be more attractive for PAYG households, while EDF offers a wider choice of fixed, tracker, EV, solar and heat-pump tariffs.
Ofgem note: The annual figures above are tariff comparison estimates, not the Ofgem price cap itself. The price cap is a benchmark based on typical consumption, while your actual bill depends on your usage, region, meter and payment method.
Tariff Options Compared
EDF Energy offers a much wider range of tariff options, while Utilita Energy focuses mainly on smart and Pay As You Go energy.
EDF Energy
- Standard Variable — flexible rates with no exit fees; best for customers wanting flexibility.
- Simply Fixed — fixed-term tariffs that lock in unit rates and standing charges; best for price certainty.
- Simply Tracker — tracks the Ofgem price cap while offering discounted standing charges; rates can change every three months.
- GoElectric — EV tariff with cheaper overnight electricity.
- Heat Pump tariffs — discounted off-peak periods for air-source heat pump homes.
- Solar & SEG tariffs — options for solar generation, battery charging and exporting surplus electricity.
Utilita Energy
- Smart Energy — variable multi-rate tariff where energy becomes cheaper on the Saver Rate after a daily usage threshold.
- Pay As You Go — particularly suited to households that prefer topping up and monitoring their energy use.
- Smart meter features — Utilita’s tariffs are closely built around smart-meter and PAYG usage.
- We did not identify equivalent fixed, tracker, EV or heat-pump tariffs in the competitor’s published comparison.
Verdict
EDF Energy wins on tariff choice. It gives customers considerably more options, including fixed, tracker, EV, heat-pump and solar tariffs. Utilita Energy is more focused on Smart Energy and Pay As You Go, making it the more specialised choice for customers who want that type of setup.
Customer reviews & satisfaction
Both EDF Energy and Utilita Energy have strong Trustpilot ratings, but they perform differently across independent customer surveys. EDF leads on Trustpilot and Citizens Advice, while Utilita scores higher in the Which? survey.
EDF Energy
Trustpilot: 4.8/5 from 243,334 reviews
Citizens Advice: #11 with a 2.90/5 score
Which?: 58%
EDF has the stronger Trustpilot profile, with 83% of reviews rated five stars. Customer feedback commonly praises its professional staff, helpful support and efficient responses. However, some customers report difficulties around switching and smart-meter issues.
On Citizens Advice, EDF ranks 11th with a 2.90/5 overall score. Its strongest area is customer commitments, where it scores 5/5.
Utilita Energy
Trustpilot: 4.3/5 from 112,253 reviews
Citizens Advice: #15 with a 2.35/5 score
Which?: 68%
Utilita has a lower Trustpilot score than EDF, with 72% five-star reviews and 16% one-star reviews. Positive feedback often mentions patient, helpful staff and agents who resolve problems effectively. Its specialist focus on smart meters and Pay As You Go also features heavily in customer experiences.
However, Utilita performs better in the Which? survey, scoring 68% versus EDF’s 58%. It also scores 10/10 for smart meters and 10/10 for helping customers who need additional support.
Verdict
EDF Energy wins on overall review evidence, mainly because it has the higher Trustpilot rating, more five-star feedback and a stronger Citizens Advice position. Utilita Energy wins on Which? satisfaction, particularly for smart meters and support for customers needing extra help.
App ratings and features
Both EDF Energy and Utilita Energy offer apps for managing bills, payments and energy usage, but EDF currently has the stronger app ratings while Utilita focuses more heavily on smart-meter, top-up and PAYG features.
EDF Energy
App Store: 4.6/5 · 185,000 ratings
Google Play: 4.4/5 · 50,315 ratings
EDF’s app provides a broad range of account-management tools, including meter readings, bills, payments, Direct Debit management and tariff information. Its Energy Hub gives smart-meter customers detailed usage insights, while EV customers can also manage smart charging through the app.
The app also supports PAYG balance checks, top-ups and auto top-ups. Recent updates have added improvements to smart charging and EV features, alongside account-display and performance fixes.
Utilita Energy
App Store: 4.4/5 · 27,000 ratings
Google Play: 4.1/5 · 61,547 ratings
Utilita’s app is particularly focused on smart-meter and PAYG customers. Users can check their balance, make payments and top-ups, view energy usage and bills, submit meter readings, and apply for POWER UP support.
The app also includes notifications, payment history, rewards through Utilita Extra and smart-meter appointment features. Recent updates have improved account-status information, go-live tracking and smart-meter appointment booking.
Verdict
EDF Energy wins for overall app quality and breadth of features. It has higher ratings on both platforms and offers more tools for energy tracking, tariff management and EV charging. Utilita Energy remains a strong option for PAYG customers, particularly those who want simple top-ups, balance tracking and smart-meter controls.
Customer service and support
EDF Energy ranks above Utilita Energy in the latest Citizens Advice customer-service table, but Utilita is considerably faster to answer calls and respond through several support channels.
EDF Energy
Citizens Advice rank: #11
Score: 2.90/5
- Average call wait: 2 min 46 sec
- Emails answered within 2 days: 85.6%
- WhatsApp/SMS within 2 days: 90.5%
- Phone: Mon–Thu 8am–6pm, Fri 8am–4pm
- Weekend: Closed
- Vulnerability Commitment:
EDF scores better overall than Utilita in the Citizens Advice ranking, with particularly strong customer commitments (5/5) and solid billing and metering performance.
Utilita Energy
Citizens Advice rank: #15
Score: 2.35/5
- Average call wait: 1 min
- Emails answered within 2 days: 98.2%
- Webchat: 44 sec
- WhatsApp: 1 min 28 sec
- Phone: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm
- Weekend: 8am–5pm
- Vulnerability Commitment:
Utilita is much faster across direct-contact channels. Its 98.2% email response rate and 1-minute average call wait are both ahead of EDF, while its longer opening hours give customers more opportunities to get support.
Verdict
EDF Energy wins on overall Citizens Advice ranking, while Utilita Energy wins on speed and availability of support. Choose EDF if the broader service score matters more; choose Utilita if shorter waits, faster email replies and weekend support are your priority.
Complaints and performance
Complaint figures show a close result on resolution speed, but the main complaint areas differ between EDF Energy and Utilita Energy. EDF also publishes a detailed breakdown of the issues customers raise, giving more insight into where problems occur.
EDF Energy
1,528 complaints per 100,000 customers — Q1 2025
- Citizens Advice: 47.6 per 10,000
- Resolved same/next day: 77%
- Resolved within 8 weeks: 94%
The most common EDF complaints were customer service (36%), followed by payment issues (15%) and billing and meter reading (15%). Meter installation or smart-meter problems accounted for another 8%, while debt-related complaints made up 5%.
EDF says it uses complaint data to identify problems with its systems, processes and customer communications and publishes performance updates every quarter.
Utilita Energy
1,502 complaints per 100,000 customers — Q1 2026
- Citizens Advice: 164 per 10,000
- Resolved same/next day: 66%
- Resolved within 8 weeks: 91%
Utilita’s largest complaint category is customer service (50%), followed by payment issues (17%), smart billing and meter readings (9%), smart PPM metering and installation (8%) and pricing (5%).
Verdict
EDF Energy has the stronger complaint-resolution record in the figures compared, resolving more complaints both by the next working day and within eight weeks. Utilita receives slightly fewer complaints per 100,000 customers in its published Q1 2026 data, but its customer-service complaints account for half of all complaints, compared with 36% for EDF.
Green Energy Comparison
EDF Energy
20% Renewable
54% Nuclear
24% Fossil fuel
2% Other
Utilita Energy
0% Renewable
11% Nuclear
83% Fossil fuel
7% Other
EDF Energy has the stronger low-carbon electricity mix of the two. Its January–March 2026 fuel mix includes 20% renewable electricity and 54% nuclear, meaning most of its supply comes from zero- or low-carbon sources. EDF also invests in wind and solar generation and offers specialist solar tariffs backed by zero-carbon nuclear electricity.
Utilita Energy’s mix is more heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with 83% fossil fuel and 0% renewable electricity in the same period. However, the supplier supports customers looking to generate their own clean energy through solar panels and battery storage and has a target to become a net-zero energy supply business by 2030.
Verdict: EDF Energy wins for a lower-carbon electricity mix, while Utilita may appeal to households wanting to reduce grid dependence through their own solar and battery system.
Smart Meters & Pay As You Go
Smart meters help households track energy use and spending, while PAYG can make budgeting easier by letting customers pay before they use energy.
EDF Energy
EDF offers smart PAYG for eligible customers, with app/online/phone/in-store top-ups, low-balance alerts and automatic top-ups. Its smart meter can also show usage and spending, helping customers keep closer control of their budget.
Utilita Energy
Utilita is particularly focused on smart prepayment customers, with its Smart Energy tariff designed around PAYG. Its model suits households that prefer to monitor their balance and manage energy spending as they go.
Verdict
Winner: EDF Energy
EDF Energy has the stronger overall smart-meter offering for flexibility, with PAYG management, auto top-ups, balance alerts and detailed usage tracking. Utilita may still be the better fit for households that specifically prefer a PAYG-first energy setup.
EV, Heat Pump & Solar Options
Intro: EDF Energy has a much broader range of specialist options for modern homes, while Utilita focuses more heavily on smart/PAYG energy.
EDF Energy
EDF offers dedicated EV tariffs with 7 hours of cheaper overnight electricity (11pm–6am), plus specialist tariffs for air-source heat pumps and solar homes. Its solar customers can also access SEG tariffs, with current offers paying up to 18p/kWh for eligible new installations.
Utilita Energy
Utilita supports solar customers through its SEG scheme, currently paying 3p/kWh for exported electricity, and customers do not have to be existing Utilita energy customers to apply. Its core Smart Energy offering is designed around smart meters, PAYG control and real-time energy management.
Verdict
Winner: EDF Energy
EDF is the stronger choice for households with EVs, heat pumps, solar panels or batteries, because it provides dedicated tariffs across these technologies rather than relying mainly on its standard smart-energy setup. Utilita’s main advantage is its PAYG-focused approach, while its current SEG rate is considerably lower than EDF’s best eligible export rate.
Which Is Better for Different Households?
There is no single best supplier for every household. EDF Energy is the stronger all-round choice for specialist tariffs and flexible energy technology, while Utilita Energy is particularly suited to households that prefer Pay As You Go energy management.
| If you care most about | Better choice | Why |
| Cheapest tariff | EDF Energy | Lower-priced tariff in our comparison |
| PAYG energy | Utilita Energy | Strong focus on smart prepayment |
| EV charging | EDF Energy | Dedicated EV tariffs with cheaper overnight charging |
| Solar panels | EDF Energy | Specialist solar tariffs and SEG options |
| Smart meter | EDF Energy | Smart tariffs for EVs, solar and heat pumps |
| Customer service | EDF Energy | Higher Citizens Advice score and rank |
| Mobile app | EDF Energy | Higher ratings on both major app stores |
| Heat pump | EDF Energy | Dedicated heat-pump tariffs with cheaper periods |
Bottom line
Choose EDF Energy if you want a broader range of tariffs, especially for EVs, solar panels, heat pumps or smart-energy use. EDF currently offers dedicated options across these areas.
Choose Utilita Energy if your main priority is PAYG and close control over your energy spending. Its offering is built strongly around smart prepayment.
Which should you choose?
| If you care most about | Choose |
| Lowest annual cost | EDF Energy |
| Customer service score | EDF Energy |
| Mobile app ratings | EDF Energy |
| EV, solar or heat-pump options | EDF Energy |
| Fastest phone support | Utilita Energy |
| Pay As You Go energy | Utilita Energy |
Our verdict
Winner: EDF Energy
EDF Energy is the stronger all-round choice, with a cheaper tariff, higher Trustpilot and app ratings, and a wider range of specialist energy options. Utilita Energy stands out for faster support and its strong Pay As You Go focus.
EDF Energy leads on most of the measures that matter to a typical household. Its compared tariff is £50 a year cheaper, while it also ranks higher than Utilita Energy on Citizens Advice and has stronger ratings across both major app stores.
Utilita Energy still has some clear advantages. Its average phone wait is just 1 minute, compared with 2.8 minutes for EDF Energy, and its support operates seven days a week. It also suits households specifically looking for smart PAYG energy management.
EDF Energy — Winner
Pros
- £50 cheaper on the compared variable tariff
- Higher Citizens Advice and Trustpilot scores
- Higher iOS and Android app ratings
- More options for EV, solar and heat-pump households
Cons
- Slower average call waiting time
- Customer support is closed at weekends
- Lower Which? overall score than Utilita Energy
Utilita Energy
Pros
- 1-minute average call wait
- Longer support hours, including weekends
- Strong Pay As You Go and smart-meter focus
- Higher Which? overall score
Cons
- £50 more expensive on the compared variable tariff
- Lower Citizens Advice score
- Lower Trustpilot and app ratings
Bottom line: For most households, EDF Energy wins overall. Choose Utilita Energy if fast support or a PAYG-focused energy setup is more important to you than the broader tariff choice and stronger overall ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall, EDF Energy or Utilita Energy?
EDF Energy is the stronger overall choice in this comparison, with a cheaper variable tariff and higher Trustpilot, Citizens Advice and app ratings. Utilita Energy has an advantage for customers who value faster phone support and weekend opening hours.
Is EDF Energy cheaper than Utilita Energy?
Yes. EDF Energy’s Simply Tracker Sep27 costs £1,755 a year, compared with £1,805 for Utilita Energy’s Smart Energy tariff. That’s a difference of £50 a year, although EDF’s tracker has a £50 exit fee.
Which supplier has better customer reviews?
EDF Energy leads on Trustpilot, scoring 4.8/5 from more than 243,000 reviews versus 4.3/5 for Utilita Energy. However, Utilita performs better in the Which? customer survey, scoring 68% compared with EDF’s 58%.
Is EDF Energy’s app better than Utilita’s?
Based on the current app ratings, yes. EDF scores 4.6 on the App Store and 4.4 on Google Play, compared with 4.4 and 4.1 for Utilita Energy. Both apps also offer tools for managing accounts and energy usage.
Who provides faster customer support?
Utilita Energy has the shorter average phone wait at around 1 minute, compared with 2 minutes 46 seconds for EDF Energy. It also offers longer opening hours, including weekends, making it the more convenient option for customers who need out-of-hours support.
Does EDF Energy or Utilita Energy offer fixed tariffs?
EDF Energy currently offers fixed deals, including its Simply Fixed 2Yr Aug28 at £1,824 a year. There is currently no fixed tariff among the Utilita Energy deals with available pricing data in this comparison.
Does EDF Energy have an exit fee?
Yes. EDF’s cheapest tracker tariff has a £50 exit fee, while its Simply Fixed 2Yr Aug28 deal has a £150 exit fee. Utilita Energy’s Smart Energy variable tariff has no exit fee.
Is EDF Energy greener than Utilita Energy?
On the January–March 2026 electricity fuel mix, EDF Energy has 20% renewable electricity and 54% nuclear, while Utilita Energy has 0% renewable and 11% nuclear, with fossil fuels making up 83% of Utilita’s mix. EDF therefore has the stronger fuel-mix position, although nuclear is not classed as renewable.
Are EDF Energy and Utilita Energy open at weekends?
Utilita Energy is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 5pm. EDF Energy’s customer service is closed at weekends, so Utilita has the clear advantage for weekend support.
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