How to choose an electricity supplier, get a discount or grant in 2025: a guide for Ukrainians in Birmingham

Moseley for Ukraine
6 days ago
3 min read

🔹 1. How the UK energy supply system works

Unlike Ukraine, in the UK you choose the company that supplies electricity to your home. This opens up opportunities for savings , benefits , and grants . Suppliers compete for customers, so there are many favorable tariffs.

🔹 2. Comparative table of popular electricity suppliers for household consumers in Birmingham for 2025.

Data collected from the official websites of companies and the regulator Ofgem:

Provider	Tariff type	*Estimated price (£/year)**	Cost of 1 kWh / daily charge (standard)	Exit fee	Green tariff
British Gas	12–15 months fixed	~£1,460‑1,600	25.73 p/kWh + 51.37 p/day evpowered.co.uk + 6theguardian.com + 6thesun.co.uk + 6uniacco.comofgem.gov.uk + 2ofgem.gov.uk + 2nimblefins.co.uk +2	up to £150	❌
EDF Energy	Tracker / fixed	~£1,400‑1,550	Ofgem technical limits are met*	≈£0‑150	part
E.ON Next	12–24 months fixed	~£1,400‑1,550	" "	up to £200	✅
Octopus Energy	12–14 months fixed/flexible	~£1,400–1,550	" "	£0	✅ (renewable)
So Energy	2-year fix	~£1,450‑1,600	" "	≈£0‑150	✅
ScottishPower	Variable / fixed	~£1,450‑1,600	" "	varies	✅
Utility Warehouse	Bundle (energy+other)	~£1,500‑1,600	" "	≈£0‑150	❓
E (prepayment)	Prepayment	a little ₤ lower	slightly below market	—	❌
100Green	Dynamic / green	above typical	≈25.73 p/kWh + charge, but higher operating costs	—	✅ (100% green)
OVO Energy	Flexible / add-on	~£1,450‑1,600	" "	≈£0‑50	✅

* Estimated annual cost: with typical usage and Direct Debit, compared to Ofgem “price cap” ~£1,720 in Q3 2025 uswitch.com + 8ofgem.gov.uk + 8nimblefins.co.uk +8 .

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🔹 3. How to change your provider - step by step

✅ You can change it at any time if:

You pay the bills yourself (not through the landlord).
You do not have significant debt.

🛠 What you need:

Residential address (postal code).
Current supplier and tariff (if known).
Meter readings (before change).
Payment details (bank account / card).

🔄 How to change:

Through comparison sites: uswitch.com / comparethemarket.com
Directly through the website of the selected company.

⏳ Transition time: 5–10 days. Supply does not stop.

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🔹 4. How to get a discount or grant

🏠 Warm Home Discount – £150 off

For those receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other benefits.
Most providers credit automatically.

You can check on your provider's website or by calling 0800 731 0214 .

⚡ Grants from suppliers

Company	Program	What gives	Where to apply
Octopus Energy	Octo Assist Fund	Help paying bills	https://octopus.energy/help-and-faqs/
British Gas	Energy Support Fund	Ability to receive payment from British Gas for six months	https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/help-with-bills/british-gas-energy-support-fund.html#apply
E.ON Next	Energy Fund	Write-off of debt or accounts	eonnextenergyfund.com

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🔹 5. Practical tips

✅ Smart Meter — helps you save money and get discounts (Octopus has tariffs with night discounts).

✅ Standing Charge — a daily charge, even if you don't use energy. Choose plans with a lower standing charge if you're rarely at home.

✅ Dual Fuel - combining gas and electricity is often more profitable.

✅ Check your meter readings monthly — or automatically with Smart Meter.

✅ Don't ignore debt - companies often offer deferrals or partial write-offs through grants.

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🔚 Conclusion

Ukrainians in Birmingham have the opportunity not only to choose the most profitable supplier , but also to receive real financial support . It is important to regularly check your tariff, read your meters and not be shy about asking for help - this is normal and supported by the state and local services.