ScottishPower Explained: Tariffs, Reviews, and Green Energy for 2026
As one of the UK's most established energy companies, ScottishPower supplies millions of homes with gas and electricity. With a significant focus on renewable energy generation and a wide portfolio of services extending beyond simple energy supply, it remains a major player in the market.
This guide explores everything you need to know about ScottishPower in 2026, from the types of tariffs it offers to its customer service reputation, its green credentials, and the latest price cap changes, helping you decide if it's the right supplier for your home.
1. Who is ScottishPower?
Founded in 1990 following the privatisation of the UK's electricity industry, ScottishPower quickly became one of the "big six" energy suppliers. Though its name suggests a purely Scottish focus, the company serves customers across England, Scotland, and Wales, supplying gas and electricity to over five million homes and businesses.
In 2007, ScottishPower was acquired by the Spanish multinational electric utility company, Iberdrola. This parent company is a global leader in wind power, and its influence is evident in ScottishPower's strong commitment to renewable energy generation. The supplier has positioned itself as a pioneer in green energy, having invested heavily in wind farms, now numbering well over 1,000 turbines across the UK, and having divested from coal and gas-fired power stations.
2. Understanding ScottishPower Energy Tariffs in 2026
ScottishPower aims to cater to a broad range of customers by offering several types of energy plans. Whether you want the security of a fixed price or the flexibility of a variable rate, there are options available for both dual fuel (gas and electricity) and single fuel customers.
| Tariff Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) | The default tariff for customers who haven't chosen a fixed deal. The unit rate and standing charge rise and fall with Ofgem's energy price cap, with no exit fees and no contract end date. | Households that prefer not to be tied into a contract and value the flexibility to switch at any time without penalty. |
| Cap Tracker | A variable tariff that tracks the Ofgem price cap but is priced slightly below the SVT — around £7.50 per fuel, per year cheaper (inc. VAT) — with no exit fees. | Customers who want the flexibility of a variable tariff but with a small built-in saving versus the standard offering. |
| Fixed-Rate Tariffs (e.g. Help Beat Cancer Fixed, Green Fixed) | Your price per unit of energy (kWh) and standing charge are locked in for a set contract period, often 12 months, protecting you from price cap rises. Some, such as Green Fixed, bundle in extras like a year of boiler insurance. | Customers who want predictable energy costs and protection from market price rises, and who are comfortable committing to a fixed term. |
| Specialist Tariffs | These are designed for specific needs, such as the EV Saver tariff, which offers cheaper overnight electricity for electric vehicle charging, and weekend-discount smart tariffs offering half-price electricity at certain times for smart meter customers. | Owners of electric vehicles, solar panels, or heat pumps who can benefit from time-of-use pricing. |
Fixed-rate tariffs typically include an early exit fee, commonly around £50 per fuel, charged if you switch to another supplier before the end of your contract term. This means a dual fuel customer leaving early could pay up to £100 in total. However, ScottishPower has confirmed that if you're on a fixed tariff and Ofgem's price cap falls below your fixed rate, you can move to a better deal with ScottishPower without paying an exit fee. Always check the specific terms and conditions before committing to a fixed plan, as fees and inclusions can change between tariff versions.
How does the energy price cap affect ScottishPower customers?
If you're on the Standard Variable Tariff or Cap Tracker, your unit rates move in line with Ofgem's quarterly price cap review. From 1 July 2026, the price cap for a typical household paying by direct debit is set to rise again, continuing the gradual upward trend seen through much of 2026. If you're on a fixed tariff, these changes don't affect your rates until your contract ends — which is one of the main reasons many customers choose to fix, even when fixed deals don't always undercut the cap by a large margin. If you're worried about rising costs, it's worth using an online comparison tool to check whether a fixed deal currently offers better value than staying on a variable tariff.
3. Is ScottishPower a Green Energy Supplier?
This is a key part of ScottishPower's identity. The company states that it matches 100% of the electricity it supplies with renewable energy generated by the ScottishPower Group, largely from its UK-based wind farms, via Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates. For environmentally conscious consumers, this is a major selling point. Many of its tariffs, including specialist options like EV Saver and dedicated "green" fixed deals, come with a guarantee of 100% renewable electricity.
However, it is useful to understand the broader context of its fuel mix. Like all suppliers that provide gas, ScottishPower's overall energy provision is not entirely renewable, since the gas it supplies is, by nature, a fossil fuel. When looking at its total fuel mix (including gas), the percentage of renewable energy is therefore lower than 100%. Despite this, its commitment to matching electricity supply with its own UK wind generation is a significant differentiator from suppliers who rely solely on purchasing certificates from third parties on the open market.
4. What Are Customers Saying? A Look at ScottishPower Reviews
Independent review platforms provide a valuable window into the customer experience. On Trustpilot, ScottishPower has accumulated well over 150,000 reviews and currently holds an overall rating of around 4.3 out of 5, classed as "Excellent" — putting it ahead of the market average for large energy suppliers.
The overall sentiment is generally positive, with a significant proportion of users awarding the company high ratings. Common themes in positive feedback relate to helpful, efficient customer service agents, the ability to speak to a real person rather than relying solely on automated chat, and a straightforward, easy-to-navigate app and website. The company's app is also frequently praised for its user-friendly interface, which simplifies tasks like submitting meter readings and managing Direct Debit payments.
As with any company of its size, experiences are not universally positive. Some customers report ongoing frustrations with smart meter accuracy and connectivity, billing frequency or amounts that don't match expectations, and the time taken to resolve complaints — with some unresolved cases eventually referred to the Energy Ombudsman. However, the large volume of positive feedback, particularly around frontline customer service when issues are escalated, suggests that many customers ultimately have a satisfactory experience. As always, it's worth reading a range of recent reviews before making a decision, as experiences can vary significantly depending on the type of issue and how quickly it's resolved.
5. Beyond Energy: What Else Does ScottishPower Offer?
ScottishPower has expanded its services to become a comprehensive home services provider. This means customers can access a range of products and solutions beyond their gas and electricity supply.
- Home and Boiler Cover: The company offers various protection plans for your home's essential systems. These include boiler service and repair, plumbing and drains cover, and appliance protection plans. These services often come with access to a 24/7 emergency helpline, and in some cases boiler insurance is bundled directly into certain fixed-rate energy tariffs.
- Green Technology Installation: Tying into its renewable energy focus, ScottishPower facilitates the installation of modern, energy-efficient technology. This includes home EV charger points, solar panel and battery storage systems, and air source heat pumps. These installations are often paired with their specialist tariffs, such as EV Saver, to maximise savings — for example, by charging an EV or running a heat pump during cheaper off-peak hours.
- Business Energy Solutions: Beyond residential supply, ScottishPower also offers electricity and gas contracts for businesses of all sizes, typically running for 1, 2 or 3 years. Its main business products combine a fixed energy-cost element with variable industry costs reviewed quarterly, alongside renewable-backed electricity options and funded EV charging installations for commercial premises.
- Smart Meters: ScottishPower is actively rolling out smart meters to its customers across the UK. These devices automatically send meter readings to the supplier, helping to ensure more accurate bills and reducing the need for manual submissions. Customers can book an installation at no extra cost through the company's website or by calling its smart meter booking line.
6. Managing Your ScottishPower Account
ScottishPower offers several digital tools to help customers stay on top of their energy account.
- The ScottishPower App: Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app is a central hub for account management. Users can monitor their energy consumption, submit meter readings (if they don't have a smart meter), view their billing history, adjust Direct Debit payments, switch tariffs, and access customer support, including a WhatsApp-based assistant for some queries.
- Online Portal: For those who prefer using a desktop, a similar range of account management features is available through the ScottishPower website, including the ability to view and change your tariff if a better deal is available to existing customers.
- Meter Readings: Customers without smart meters can submit readings easily via the app or online account to ensure their bills accurately reflect their usage, helping to avoid large balancing charges further down the line.
7. How to Contact ScottishPower
The supplier provides multiple channels for customers to get in touch for queries, support, or to make a complaint.
| Method | Details | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Phone (General enquiries) | 0345 270 0700 | Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm |
| Smart Meter Bookings | 0800 074 0072 | Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm |
| Web Chat | Available via the website or app, including a WhatsApp assistant | Seven days a week, typically with extended hours (e.g. 7am – 11pm) |
| contactus@scottishpower.com | For non-urgent queries |
If your query isn't resolved through the usual channels and you've followed ScottishPower's complaints process without success, you can escalate your case to the Energy Ombudsman, which is free and independent.
8. Support for Customers Facing Financial Difficulty
Recognising that households can face financial hardship, particularly with energy costs continuing to rise through 2026, ScottishPower has support systems in place. The ScottishPower Hardship Fund is designed to help customers on lower incomes — including those receiving Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, or Employment and Support Allowance — who are struggling with energy debt. The fund can provide grants, typically ranging from around £100 up to several thousand pounds depending on circumstances, to help clear or reduce outstanding balances on a ScottishPower account.
The Hardship Fund is administered independently on ScottishPower's behalf by Sigma Connected Support, which can be contacted on 0121 285 2595 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm), or via an online application portal available 24/7. To support an application, it's usually helpful to have evidence of contact with a free debt advice charity, such as StepChange, along with proof of any benefits received.
If you're at immediate risk of disconnection or in urgent financial crisis, it's worth contacting ScottishPower directly first to discuss a Priority Services Register entry or a short-term payment break, as this is a separate, faster process from the Hardship Fund itself.
Additionally, the company is part of Energy UK's Vulnerability Commitment, an initiative to improve support for the most vulnerable customers in the market, and offers the Warm Home Discount — a one-off annual reduction on electricity bills for qualifying low-income households. Its website also contains a dedicated support centre with advice and links to external organisations, including debt charities and Home Energy Scotland, that can offer further assistance.
If you are struggling to pay your bills, it is always recommended to contact your supplier as early as possible to discuss the options available, rather than letting arrears build up.
