Home »
Octopus Energy vs. British Gas & E.ON: Why Customers Deserve Better Than Courtroom Drama
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the case brought by British Gas and E.ON challenging the government’s approval of Octopus Energy’s acquisition of Bulb. While the legal battle raged on, customers like me were left wondering why the energy giants were so obsessed with court cases instead of focusing on delivering the best service possible?
The Appeal and the Verdict
The case—R (British Gas Trading and E.ON) v Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero [2025] EWCA Civ 209—challenged the UK government’s decision to fund Bulb’s special administration and approve its sale to Octopus Energy in 2022.
Bulb collapsed in 2021 due to skyrocketing wholesale energy prices, leaving 1.5 million customers in limbo. The government stepped in, funding the company’s administration and eventually agreeing to a sale to Octopus Energy. The deal involved government loans to Octopus loans that Octopus has since fully repaid.
British Gas and E.ON argued that this funding was an unfair subsidy, violating UK and EU trade agreements. However, the Court of Appeal ruled that the process was lawful and transparent, confirming that the UK government had acted within its powers and that Octopus had won a fair and competitive bidding process.
Why This Legal Battle Frustrates Customers
As a customer, I care about three things: fair pricing, great service, and green energy innovation. This case had nothing to do with any of those things. Instead, it felt like a distraction, an attempt to fight progress rather than focusing on what customers actually need.
I spent around 20 years with British Gas, and for much of that time, energy was just another bill I had to pay. The customer experience felt like an afterthought—long wait times, confusing tariffs, and little real engagement. In contrast, switching to Octopus Energy opened my eyes to an energy supplier that actually prioritised its customers. From clear and simple tariffs to proactive support during crises, Octopus made me feel like more than just a number on an account.
That’s why this court case frustrated me. British Gas and E.ON weren’t in court fighting for better energy prices or fairer deals for customers. They were challenging a deal that ultimately cost taxpayers nothing and rescued Bulb’s 1.5 million customers from uncertainty. If they had won, what would have changed for us as consumers? Would prices have gone down? Would customer service have improved? Based on past experiences, I doubt it.
Octopus Energy: Delivering What Customers Actually Want
While British Gas and E.ON were tied up in legal battles, Octopus Energy was busy doing what actually matters to customers—cutting costs, improving service, and driving forward green energy initiatives. Here’s what they’ve been focusing on:
✅ Fair and transparent pricing – Octopus has consistently led the way with flexible, fairly priced tariffs that adapt to market conditions while keeping costs down for customers.
✅ Green energy solutions – From solar and battery storage to heat pumps, Octopus is constantly rolling out innovative renewable energy products that help households become more energy-independent.
✅ Customer service excellence – Octopus Energy repeatedly ranks as the UK’s top-rated supplier, while British Gas and E.ON continue to struggle with complaints and service issues. Just look at the latest Which? customer survey results, they tell the same story, year after year. As a customer I want you to do better. We need more competition in the energy market that values us as consumers.
I had the chance to visit Octopus’s heat pump and solar training centre in Slough, and the enthusiasm was contagious. The team wasn’t just installing equipment; they were pioneering the future of home energy, making sustainable technology accessible to more people. It’s the kind of forward-thinking approach I wish all suppliers embraced.
At Kraken HQ in Manchester, I saw first-hand the collaboration happening around Project Mercury, which is a bold initiative bringing together utility companies and green tech manufacturers to build a smarter, more efficient energy grid. It was inspiring. And yet, I still leave my village and see wind turbines switched off, sitting idle while we pay sky-high prices for imported energy. It makes no sense!
This is where the focus should be. We need cheaper, locally produced energy that gives us security so we don’t have to fear the arrival of winter.