So Energy UK: A Complete 2024 Guide to Tariffs, Reviews, and Green Energy

In the crowded UK energy market, So Energy has established itself as a notable player, balancing competitive pricing with a strong commitment to renewable energy and customer satisfaction. Positioned as the ninth-largest energy provider in the UK, it offers a refreshing alternative to the sector's giants.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about So Energy, from its unique approach to sourcing green electricity to its tariff structures, customer service reputation, and additional home energy services.

1. What Makes So Energy Different?

Founded in 2015 and later merging with ESB Energy in 2021, So Energy has grown to serve over 300,000 UK households. While its 100% renewable electricity offering is a key feature, its operational philosophy sets it apart.

Democratic Energy Sourcing

Perhaps So Energy's most distinctive feature is its approach to renewable energy procurement. While the company, like many others, buys Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates to back its green claims, it adds a layer of customer interaction.

Each year, So Energy customers are invited to participate in an online poll to vote on the mix of renewable technologies they want the company to support. The choices typically include:

• Wind
• Solar
• Hydro
• Biomass

The final percentage of energy sourced from each technology for the following year directly reflects the proportion of votes cast. This unique model gives customers a tangible say in their energy's origin, fostering a stronger connection to their green tariff.

A Focus on Straightforward Service

So Energy places a significant emphasis on providing clear, accessible, and responsive customer service. This is reflected in its streamlined tariff options and multiple contact channels, aiming to make energy management as simple as possible for its customers. The company is also a signatory of the Energy Switch Guarantee, which is a voluntary commitment to making the process of changing suppliers seamless and reliable.

2. A Look at So Energy's Tariffs

So Energy avoids over-complicating its offerings, providing a focused range of plans for customers who pay via Direct Debit or upon receiving their bill. It's important to note that the company does not currently cater to customers with prepayment meters.

Here's a breakdown of their main tariff types:

Dual fuel options, which bundle gas and electricity, are available and often provide the best value. Fixed-rate plans come with an early termination fee if you decide to switch more than 49 days before your contract ends. This fee is currently set at £75 per fuel.

3. Green Credentials: Is So Energy Really Green?

Yes, all of So Energy's electricity tariffs are supplied with 100% renewable electricity. The company does not generate this power itself. Instead, it purchases REGO certificates for every unit of electricity its customers use.

A REGO certificate is an official confirmation from Ofgem that a unit of electricity has been produced from a verified renewable source. By purchasing these certificates, So Energy guarantees that its electricity consumption is matched by an equivalent amount of green energy being fed into the National Grid. The customer voting system then determines the specific mix of technologies these certificates will represent.

4. What Do Customers Think? So Energy Reviews

Customer feedback for So Energy is largely positive. Across platforms like Trustpilot, the company maintains a strong rating, with a high percentage of reviewers awarding it five stars.

Common themes in positive reviews highlight the helpfulness and efficiency of its customer service team, the simplicity of its online account management, and its competitive pricing. Some negative feedback tends to focus on occasional technical hiccups during the switching process or billing queries, which is not uncommon for suppliers of any size. Overall, it is rated favourably among UK energy providers.

5. Managing Your Account with So Energy

So Energy provides modern tools to help customers manage their usage and bills effectively.

The So Energy App

Customers can manage their account on the move using the So Energy mobile app. This digital tool allows you to perform key tasks such as submitting meter readings, viewing and downloading bills, and monitoring your energy consumption patterns.

Smart Meters

So Energy is a proactive supporter of the smart meter rollout and offers to install them for free in customers' homes. A smart meter eliminates the need for manual readings and provides near real-time data on energy usage, helping you make more informed decisions to reduce consumption and save money. The company supports both single-rate and two-rate (Economy 7) smart meters.

6. Beyond Energy Supply: Other Services

Expanding its portfolio, So Energy also offers a range of services aimed at helping UK homes become more energy-efficient and sustainable. These include:

• Solar Panel and Battery Storage Installation: A complete service to help households generate and store their own renewable electricity.
• Air Source Heat Pump Installation: Providing a low-carbon alternative to traditional gas boilers.
• Boiler and Heating Cover: Insurance plans to protect against unexpected boiler breakdowns and central heating issues.
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): For customers who generate their own electricity through solar panels, So Energy offers a SEG tariff, paying them for any surplus energy they export back to the grid.

7. How to Contact So Energy

Getting in touch with the So Energy team is straightforward.

8. Support for Customers Facing Financial Difficulty

So Energy has a dedicated support system for customers who are struggling to pay their bills. The company encourages anyone experiencing financial hardship to make contact as early as possible. The support options available include:

• Arranging a manageable payment plan to clear debt over time.
• Temporarily lowering monthly Direct Debit payments.
• Providing advice on improving energy efficiency to reduce future bills.
• Guiding customers towards government support schemes and independent charities.

9. Is So Energy the Right Supplier for You?

So Energy presents a compelling option for the modern, environmentally-conscious consumer. Its unique customer voting system, straightforward tariffs, and strong service record make it an attractive alternative in the market. It is particularly well-suited for those who want a green tariff without excessive complexity and who are comfortable managing their account digitally.

However, its lack of prepayment tariffs means it won't be suitable for everyone. For those with credit meters, So Energy's blend of green principles and customer engagement is certainly worth considering.