Guide
How to switch energy supplier
What happens on switching day, how long it takes and what you need to have ready.
Read guide
Shell Energy energy review and tariffs
Shell Energy is a former Big Six challenger whose home supply business is now part of Octopus Energy. Compare Shell Energy tariffs against the whole market and see whether switching could cut your annual gas and electricity bill.
Compare energy dealsThinking of switching to or from Shell Energy?
Run a full market comparison before you commit. Switching supplier takes about five minutes and your supply is never interrupted.
About Shell Energy
Shell Energy is a former Big Six challenger whose home supply business is now part of Octopus Energy. The business was established in 2018 (formerly First Utility) and today supplies both gas and electricity to homes across England, Scotland and Wales.
It is best known for 100% renewable electricity and Shell fuel rewards, alongside a standard variable tariff that tracks the Ofgem price cap and a rotating range of fixed deals.
Like every supplier, Shell Energy buys energy on the wholesale market, so its fixed prices move with market conditions. Running a comparison is the only reliable way to see whether its current deal beats the rest of the market for your usage.
What Shell Energy is known for
Dual fuel and single fuel
Shell Energy supplies gas and electricity together or separately, with one combined bill and a single monthly Direct Debit if you take both.
Smart meter installations
Free SMETS2 smart meter installations are offered to eligible customers, giving accurate bills and access to smarter tariffs.
100% renewable electricity and shell fuel rewards
This is the feature Shell Energy customers most often cite — check whether it genuinely suits how and when your household uses energy.
Online account and app
Submit meter readings, track usage, move home and change your Direct Debit from the app or online account without calling.
Shell Energy tariffs
Availability varies by region and meter type. Always check the exact rates quoted for your postcode before you switch.
| Tariff | Type | Rate structure | Exit fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard variable | Variable | Tracks the Ofgem price cap, reviewed quarterly | None |
| 12 month fixed | Fixed | Unit rate and standing charge locked for 12 months | Typically £50 per fuel |
| 24 month fixed | Fixed | Longer price certainty, usually a small premium | Typically £75 per fuel |
| Smart / time-of-use | Variable | Cheaper off-peak overnight rates, smart meter required | None |
How much does Shell Energy energy cost?
These are typical standard variable rates under the current price cap. Standing charges are daily costs you pay regardless of how much energy you use.
| Electricity | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rates | 25.73p per kWh | 6.33p per kWh |
| Standing charge | 51.10p per day | 29.82p per day |
| Typical annual bill | £1,720 combined (medium use, Direct Debit) | Included in combined figure |
Shell Energy pros and cons
Pros
- Supplies both gas and electricity nationwide
- Free smart meter installation for eligible homes
- 100% renewable electricity and shell fuel rewards
- Online account and mobile app for readings and payments
Cons
- Standard variable prices simply follow the price cap
- Fixed deals can carry exit fees if you leave early
- Not always the cheapest option for low-usage households
Shell Energy customer service
Ofgem and Citizens Advice publish quarterly supplier league tables covering call waiting times, complaints per customer and ease of contact. Check the latest table before you commit — service ratings move a lot from quarter to quarter.
If something goes wrong, raise a formal complaint with Shell Energy first. If it is not resolved within eight weeks, or you receive a deadlock letter, you can take the case to the Energy Ombudsman free of charge.
How to switch to or from Shell Energy
1
Grab a recent bill
You need your postcode, current tariff name and rough annual usage in kWh.
2
Compare the market
See how Shell Energy deals stack up against every other supplier for your usage.
3
Pick your deal
Choose fixed or variable and confirm your details online in a few minutes.
4
We handle the rest
Your new supplier arranges the switch in around five working days. Your supply is never interrupted.
Comparing with us is a no-brainer
“It took me a couple of minutes to compare energy prices and switch, with all the faff of switching and payments done for you. I've just saved close to £480 per year in gas and electricity.”
Jennifer, Constantine
Energy guides
Guide
Understanding the price cap
What Ofgem's cap actually limits, and why your bill can still go up.
Read guide
Guide
Fixed vs variable tariffs
Which type of deal suits your household, and when fixing makes sense.
Read guideShell Energy FAQs
Is Shell Energy a good energy supplier?
Shell Energy is a former Big Six challenger whose home supply business is now part of Octopus Energy. Whether it is right for you depends on price for your usage and how you prefer to manage your account — always compare current deals rather than relying on reputation alone.
How do I switch to Shell Energy?
Run a comparison, choose a Shell Energy tariff and confirm your details. Shell Energy contacts your old supplier, agrees a switch date and takes a final meter reading. The whole process takes around five working days.
Will my supply be interrupted if I switch?
No. The gas pipes and electricity cables into your home do not change — only the company that bills you does. There is no engineer visit and no loss of supply.
Does Shell Energy charge exit fees?
Standard variable tariffs have no exit fees. Fixed tariffs usually do, commonly £50 to £75 per fuel, but you can switch penalty-free in the last 49 days of your contract.
Can I get a smart meter with Shell Energy?
Yes. Shell Energy installs second-generation SMETS2 smart meters free of charge for eligible customers, which enables accurate billing and access to time-of-use tariffs.
What if I have a complaint about Shell Energy?
Complain to Shell Energy directly first. If it is unresolved after eight weeks or you get a deadlock letter, the Energy Ombudsman will review your case free of charge and its decision is binding on the supplier.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 25 July 2026