British Gas vs So Energy: Which Energy Supplier Is Better?

Choosing the right energy supplier can make a noticeable difference to your household bills. British Gas is one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, while So Energy is a smaller supplier that focuses heavily on renewable electricity and flexible tariff options.

But which one is better for your home?

In this British Gas vs So Energy comparison, we compare their energy tariffs, pricing approach, renewable energy options, EV tariffs, solar export options, customer service and smart energy features.

The right choice depends on your energy usage, whether you want a fixed or flexible tariff, and which additional features matter to you.

British Gas vs So Energy: Quick Comparison

Customer service figures are based on Citizens Advice’s January to March 2026 ratings. British Gas scored 2.61 out of 5, while So Energy scored 2.86 out of 5.

Which Supplier Has Better Energy Prices?

There is no single British Gas or So Energy price that applies to every household.

Your actual bill depends on your postcode, energy consumption, payment method, meter type and the tariff you choose.

British Gas currently offers standard variable and fixed options, with its pricing affected by changes in the Ofgem price cap where applicable. Its July 2026 price cap information lists an average annual cap level of £1,663 for a typical household.

So Energy also offers different pricing options. Its So Flex tariff is a standard variable tariff that changes in line with the Ofgem price cap every three months. Its Green Tracker tariff is designed to remain below the price cap, while its fixed tariffs keep unit rates and standing charges unchanged for the contract period.

This means you should compare the actual quote available for your postcode rather than relying only on a supplier’s advertised headline price.

Winner: It depends on your individual quote and energy usage.

Fixed vs Variable Tariffs

Both British Gas and So Energy offer fixed and variable options.

A fixed tariff can provide more certainty because your unit rates and standing charges stay fixed for the agreed contract period. Your total bill can still change if you use more or less energy.

So Energy offers fixed contracts for different periods, including 12, 18 and 24 months. Its fixed tariffs include 100% renewable electricity.

So Energy’s So Flex tariff has no contract or exit fees. Its rates move with the Ofgem price cap every three months.

British Gas also offers fixed tariffs. It currently promotes fixed options for customers who want protection from changes in energy prices. It also offers a Fix and Fall tariff, which is designed to allow prices to fall if market conditions improve under the terms of the tariff.

Winner: So Energy for renewable fixed options. British Gas for a wider range of tariff and energy service choices.

Renewable Energy

Renewable electricity is one of the biggest differences between the two suppliers.

So Energy places a strong focus on renewable electricity. Its fixed-rate tariffs come with 100% renewable electricity. Its Green Tracker tariff also provides 100% renewable electricity while tracking below the price cap.

So Energy also allows customers to have a say in the type of renewable generation they support, including sources such as wind, solar, hydro and biomass.

British Gas also provides renewable energy products and smart energy solutions. However, its offering is broader and includes products for EV charging, heat pumps, batteries and solar generation.

Winner: So Energy for customers who want renewable electricity to be a central part of their tariff.

EV Charging

If you own an electric vehicle, your choice of tariff can affect how much you pay for overnight charging.

British Gas offers an EV tariff with electricity at 9p per kWh between midnight and 5am every day. It also offers additional options for customers with compatible EV chargers and home batteries.

So Energy also has a dedicated So EV tariff. It provides 100% renewable electricity and offers an overnight charging rate of 7.5p per kWh. A smart meter is required.

Based on the advertised overnight rates, So Energy currently has the lower headline EV charging rate.

However, the cheapest option for you depends on the complete tariff, including daytime electricity rates, standing charges and your actual charging pattern.

Winner: So Energy for the advertised overnight EV rate.

Customer Service

Customer service is an important factor when choosing an energy supplier.

Citizens Advice currently rates suppliers across areas such as complaints, contact waiting times, billing and metering, and customer commitments.

For January to March 2026, So Energy received an overall score of 2.86 out of 5 and ranked 12th in the supplier comparison table. British Gas received 2.61 out of 5 and ranked 13th.

So Energy therefore had the higher overall score in this comparison.

British Gas did score well for contact waiting time, receiving 4.2 out of 5. However, its billing and metering score was 2.0 out of 5.

So Energy scored 3.6 for contact waiting time and 3.0 for billing and metering.

Winner: So Energy based on the latest Citizens Advice overall rating.

Smart Energy Features

Both suppliers provide smart energy options.

British Gas has a broad selection of smart tariffs designed for different types of households. These include tariffs for EV owners, heat pump users, home battery owners and customers with solar panels. For example, its heat pump tariff provides half-price electricity during selected periods, while its battery tariff offers cheaper electricity overnight.

So Energy also has smart tariff options.

Its So Unique tariff uses smart meter data to create personalised peak, off-peak and super off-peak rates. So Energy says customers could save up to £200 a year by shifting 20% of their electricity use to off-peak periods, although the figure is based on its trial data and actual savings will vary.

So Energy’s So EV tariff also uses smart meter technology to provide lower overnight charging rates.

Winner: British Gas for the wider range of smart energy products. So Energy is a strong option for customers who want personalised or flexible pricing.

Solar Export

If you have solar panels, you may want to sell excess electricity back to the grid.

British Gas offers a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. Electricity customers can receive up to 12p per kWh for eligible exported electricity on its Export Premium tariff for systems up to 15kW. Customers need a compatible renewable energy system and a smart meter capable of recording export readings every 30 minutes.

British Gas also offers solar and battery products through its Hive Solar Saver offering. Eligible customers can receive savings on electricity usage under the relevant offer terms.

So Energy also offers solar and battery solutions and promotes renewable energy as a core part of its business. Its tariff range is particularly focused on renewable electricity and flexible energy use.

If solar export income is your main priority, check the current export rate and eligibility requirements before switching.

Winner: British Gas for a clearly advertised SEG export tariff.

British Gas Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Large and established UK energy supplier

• Wide range of energy tariffs

• Dedicated EV tariffs

• Smart tariffs for EVs, heat pumps and batteries

• Solar export options

• Strong range of additional home energy services

Cons:

• Customer service rating remains below some smaller suppliers

• Billing and metering score is relatively low in the latest Citizens Advice data

• The cheapest tariff is not necessarily available to every household

So Energy Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong focus on renewable electricity

• Fixed tariffs include 100% renewable electricity

• Green Tracker tariff designed to remain below the price cap

• Dedicated EV tariff

• Flexible So Flex variable tariff

• Personalised smart tariff options

• Higher Citizens Advice overall score than British Gas in January to March 2026

Cons:

• Smaller supplier than British Gas

• Some tariffs require a smart meter

• Fixed tariffs can include early exit fees

• Actual prices vary by postcode and usage

Who Should Choose British Gas?

British Gas may be a better choice if you want a large established supplier with a broad range of energy services.

It can be particularly useful for households that want to combine their energy supply with products such as EV charging, home batteries, heat pumps or solar solutions.

Its smart tariff range also gives customers several options for changing when they use electricity.

British Gas may also appeal to customers with solar panels who want to use its Smart Export Guarantee service.

Who Should Choose So Energy?

So Energy may be a better choice if renewable electricity is one of your main priorities.

Its fixed tariffs provide 100% renewable electricity, while its Green Tracker tariff combines renewable electricity with pricing linked to the Ofgem price cap.

So Energy is also worth considering if you have an EV. Its advertised So EV overnight rate is currently 7.5p per kWh, subject to the tariff’s terms and eligibility requirements.

Customers who prefer flexibility can also consider So Flex, which has no contract or exit fees.

Which Is Cheaper, British Gas or So Energy?

There is no universal answer.

Energy prices change, and the tariff available to you depends on your postcode, usage and circumstances.

So Energy currently offers several tariff structures designed to provide different types of value. Its Green Tracker tariff is designed to stay below the Ofgem price cap, while its fixed tariffs provide price certainty.

British Gas also offers fixed and variable options alongside specialist tariffs for EVs, heat pumps, batteries and solar customers.

The best way to decide is to compare:

• Electricity unit rate

• Gas unit rate

• Electricity standing charge

• Gas standing charge

• Contract length

• Exit fees

• EV charging rates

• Solar export rates

• Smart meter requirements

• Any introductory discounts or special offers

Do not compare suppliers using the annual estimate alone. Your actual usage can make a significant difference to the final cost.

British Gas vs So Energy: Final Verdict

British Gas and So Energy are aimed at slightly different types of customers.

British Gas has the advantage if you want a large supplier with a broad range of energy services. Its options cover EV charging, heat pumps, batteries, solar and smart energy tariffs.

So Energy stands out for its renewable energy focus. Its fixed tariffs include 100% renewable electricity, while its Green Tracker and So EV tariffs provide additional options for customers who want flexible or specialist pricing.

So Energy also achieved the higher Citizens Advice customer service score for January to March 2026, although neither supplier was among the highest-rated providers in that period.

If you want a broad range of home energy products, British Gas may be the better fit.

If renewable electricity, flexible tariffs and EV charging are more important to you, So Energy could be the better option.

Before switching, compare the latest quotes for your postcode and calculate the expected cost using your actual annual gas and electricity consumption.

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