Co-operative Energy

Co-op Energy is the energy brand of the Midcounties Co-operative, one of the UK's largest independent co-operatives. It launched in 2010 as the only co-operative energy supplier in the British market, and it now focuses on 100% renewable electricity with a strong emphasis on community-owned generation.

The biggest change since it launched is who actually runs it. Since 2019, Co-op Energy customers have been supplied and looked after by Octopus Energy, while the Midcounties Co-operative keeps the brand and continues to win new customers under the Co-op Energy name.

Co-op Energy is a co-operative-branded supplier run on Octopus Energy's platform. You get 100% renewable electricity, a tariff that buys directly from community energy projects, and Co-op membership points, with billing and customer service handled by Octopus.

Co-op Energy at a Glance

Jump to a section:Who runs Co-op Energy?TariffsCommunity energyReviewsContact detailsShould I switch?How to switch

Compare Co-op Energy prices and switch to a cheaper deal today.
Use our free Ofgem-accredited energy comparison to see how much you could save.
Compare and save

Who owns and runs Co-op Energy?

Co-op Energy was set up in 2010 by the Midcounties Co-operative, and it started supplying homes in December of that year. As a co-operative, it was owned by its members rather than outside shareholders, which made it the only supplier of its kind in the British market.

It grew quickly. In November 2016 it took on around 160,000 customers from GB Energy after that supplier collapsed, and in 2018 it bought Flow Energy, which brought in roughly 130,000 more.

In 2019, Midcounties and Octopus Energy agreed a major partnership. Octopus took over the energy supply business and more than 300,000 customers across Co-op Energy, Flow Energy and GB Energy. Midcounties kept the right to win new customers under the Co-op Energy brand.

What this means for you: if you join Co-op Energy today, you sign up with a co-operative brand, but your energy supply, bills, smart meter and customer service are all run by Octopus Energy.

Co-op Energy tariffs

Co-op Energy keeps its range short. There are three tariffs to choose between.

Tariff details correct as of July 2026. Prices vary by region and usage, so run a comparison using your own postcode to see current rates.

Not sure whether to fix? Our guide on fixed price energy explains how to judge whether a fixed deal is worth it.

Co-op Energy and community energy

Community energy is what really sets Co-op Energy apart. All of its tariffs come with 100% renewable electricity, and it describes itself as the UK's largest buyer of community-generated energy, supporting around 80 community projects across the country.

These are solar, wind and hydro schemes owned by local groups rather than big energy companies, so the money paid for their electricity goes back into the community that generates it.

When the Octopus partnership was agreed in 2019, the two organisations also set up a joint venture called Co-op Community Energy to invest in community projects and buy more power from them. One of its first deals was a set of agreements with hydro sites run by the National Trust in Wales.

If green energy is a priority for you, see our guide to green energy tariffs for other options to compare against.

Co-op membership benefits

Because Co-op Energy is part of the Midcounties Co-operative, customers can earn membership points on their energy spend. These can then be used in Midcounties Co-op stores.

It's a small extra rather than a reason to switch on its own, but it's a nice touch if you already shop with the Co-op.

Co-op Energy reviews

Co-op Energy scores 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot from more than 8,500 reviews, which is a strong result and likely reflects Octopus running customer service.

The Which? picture is more mixed. In its most recent customer survey, carried out in September and October 2025 with nearly 12,000 people, Co-op Energy scored 71% overall and came joint 8th out of 17 suppliers. It is not a Which? Recommended Provider.

Which? also gave Co-op Energy full marks for how it supports vulnerable customers, but it scored lower on complaint handling and smart meters.

How to contact Co-op Energy

Should I switch to Co-op Energy?

Co-op Energy is worth a look if you want 100% renewable electricity and you like the idea of your money supporting community-owned generation. You also get the reassurance of Octopus running the supply behind the scenes, which is reflected in its strong Trustpilot score.

The trade-offs are a short tariff range, with no specialist EV or time-of-use options listed, and a middling Which? result on communications and price change information.

As always, the brand matters less than the price available at your address. Compare Co-op Energy against the rest of the market using your postcode and usage before deciding, and weigh up any exit fees if you are currently on a fixed deal.

See how Co-op Energy compares with other suppliers for your home.
Compare energy prices

How to switch to Co-op Energy

1. Enter your postcode. Start a comparison with The Energy Shop using your postcode, and we'll ask you a few questions about your current deal and usage.
2. Have your latest bill to hand. Your annual usage in kWh, or what you spend each month, helps us give you the most accurate quotes.
3. Review the best deals in your area. We'll show you a breakdown of the best energy deals available where you live, so you can see how Co-op Energy stacks up.
4. Pick your deal and we'll do the rest. Choose the one you like best and we'll take care of the switch. Switches typically complete within five working days, and there'll be no disruption to your supply.

Co-op Energy FAQs

Is Co-op Energy owned by Octopus?

Not exactly. The Co-op Energy brand belongs to the Midcounties Co-operative, but since 2019 the energy supply and customer accounts have been run by Octopus Energy. Your bills, customer service and smart meter support all come through Octopus.

Is Co-op Energy still a co-operative?

The brand is still part of the Midcounties Co-operative, and customers can earn Co-op membership points on their energy spend. The day-to-day energy supply, however, is handled by Octopus Energy rather than a co-operative-owned supplier.

Does Co-op Energy have exit fees?

Its Flexible tariff has no exit fees. Fixed tariffs carry an exit fee of £50 per fuel if you leave early, although you can switch penalty-free in the final 49 days of any fixed deal.

Is Co-op Energy electricity renewable?

Yes. All Co-op Energy tariffs come with 100% renewable electricity, and its Community Power tariff matches every unit you use with a unit bought directly from a community energy generator.

Ready to see what you could save? All you need is your postcode.
Start your comparison

Last updated: 29 September 2026. Tariff, contact and Trustpilot details correct as of July 2026. Which? figures are from its September to October 2025 customer survey. Tariff availability and pricing change frequently, so always confirm current rates through a comparison using your own postcode and consumption.