Last reviewed: May 2026
Key facts:- Outfox the Market is a small UK energy supplier with a customer base concentrated in England, Wales and Scotland.
- Its tariffs are typically variable-rate tracking the Ofgem default price cap, with occasional fixed-rate products offered through introducer channels.
- Customer service complaints data is published quarterly by Citizens Advice and tracked by Ofgem under its supplier monitoring framework.
UK Energy Guides › Outfox Energy Review
Outfox the Market is one of the smaller domestic energy suppliers operating in the UK retail market. It survived the 2021-22 wholesale price crisis that saw many small suppliers exit. This review covers its tariff structure, smart meter rollout, customer service reputation, exit fees, and how it compares to the Ofgem default price cap and to the larger established suppliers. All factual claims are sourced from Ofgem, Citizens Advice and the supplier own published information.
Tariff Structure
Outfox the Market mainly offers variable tariffs that move with the Ofgem default price cap. The standard variable tariff is typically priced at the cap level, which means new customers get the same headline unit rate as customers on most other suppliers default tariff.
Fixed-rate tariffs are occasionally available, typically offered through specific introducer channels or limited-time customer acquisition windows. Fixed rates are quoted on the supplier website and on price comparison sites such as Citizens Advice supplier comparison page.
The unit rate (pence per kWh) and standing charge (daily fee) are the two main components of any tariff. Both are capped by the Ofgem price cap for default tariffs. Outfox publishes its current tariff on its website with a full unit rate and standing charge breakdown by region.
Smart Meter Rollout
Outfox the Market participates in the national smart meter rollout overseen by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Smart meters are offered to existing and new customers at no upfront cost, with installation by certified engineers.
Customers can book a smart meter installation through the supplier customer service team. Some areas have longer waiting times because of installer capacity. Smart meters allow accurate billing, half-hourly readings and access to time-of-use tariffs that may launch in the future.
The smart meter Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage varies by region. In a small number of areas, smart meters operate in dumb mode because of poor coverage, with usage information stored locally on the meter and read manually by an engineer on a periodic basis.
Customer Service and Complaints
Citizens Advice publishes quarterly star ratings of energy suppliers based on customer service measures. The ratings cover complaints, ease of switching, billing accuracy, and customer satisfaction. The ratings are publicly available on the Citizens Advice supplier comparison page.
Ofgem monitors supplier performance under its supplier licence conditions. Where suppliers fall below standards, Ofgem can take enforcement action including fines or business restrictions. Past Outfox investigations have related to billing accuracy, switching delays and customer service.
Complaints can be made directly to Outfox the Market through its customer service channels. If the complaint is not resolved after eight weeks or a deadlock letter is issued, the Energy Ombudsman can investigate. The Ombudsman service is free for customers and binding on the supplier.
Exit Fees and Switching
Variable tariffs from Outfox the Market typically have no exit fees. Customers can switch supplier at any time without penalty. Fixed-rate tariffs may have exit fees, normally between 25 and 75 pounds per fuel.
Switching can be initiated through any new supplier or through the new Ofgem-backed switching service. The new supplier handles the process; the customer does not need to contact Outfox directly. The switch takes around five working days under the current Ofgem standards.
Final bills are issued by Outfox after the switch completes. Credit balances are returned to the customer; debt balances must be paid. The supplier is required to issue the final bill within six weeks of the switch under Ofgem rules.
Comparison with the Ofgem Price Cap
The Ofgem default price cap sets the maximum unit rate and standing charge for default tariffs. The cap is reviewed quarterly. For most of 2023 and into 2024 the cap was the binding constraint on Outfox standard tariff pricing.
Fixed-rate tariffs can in some periods be below the price cap, particularly where wholesale prices are falling. They can also be above the cap, particularly when wholesale prices are rising. The supplier own tariff page should be checked alongside the comparison sites for current pricing.
Outfox customers paying by direct debit and submitting regular meter readings typically get the standard tariff. Prepayment customers, customers paying on receipt of bill, and customers with smart meters in default settings get the unit rates and standing charges set by the supplier within the Ofgem cap framework.
Choosing Between Outfox and Larger Suppliers
Tariff competitiveness. Outfox tariffs sit near the Ofgem price cap, similar to most major suppliers default tariffs. The headline unit rates and standing charges are broadly comparable. Comparison shopping should focus on the total cost including standing charge plus expected usage.
Customer service responsiveness. Smaller suppliers can sometimes offer faster response times because they have lower call volumes. However, smaller suppliers can also have more limited resources during peak demand periods. Citizens Advice supplier ratings provide a quarterly benchmark.
Smart meter support. The smart meter rollout has been challenging for some smaller suppliers. Larger suppliers have larger installer networks. Smaller suppliers may have longer waiting times for smart meter installation in some regions.
Tariff flexibility. Larger suppliers often offer a wider range of tariffs including time-of-use products, EV-specific tariffs, and dual fuel discounts. Smaller suppliers typically have fewer tariff options, reflecting their narrower product range.
Where to Get Free Independent Help
Citizens Advice consumer service is the official source of energy advice in Great Britain. The service provides free help with outfox energy review, bill disputes, switching, prepayment meter issues and energy supplier complaints. The Citizens Advice supplier comparison ratings are also updated quarterly.
The Energy Saving Trust provides free, impartial advice on reducing energy bills through efficiency improvements. Their free home energy calculator estimates potential savings from insulation, heating upgrades and behaviour changes. The Trust also identifies available grants such as ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Ofgem is the energy regulator and sets the rules that suppliers must follow. The Ofgem consumer pages explain rights, the price cap, supplier obligations and how to make complaints. The Energy Ombudsman is the binding dispute resolution body for complaints not resolved by the supplier within 8 weeks.
Supplier hardship funds run by individual energy suppliers offer one-off grants for arrears, white goods and boiler servicing. The British Gas Energy Trust, EDF Energy Customer Support Fund, Octopus Energy Assist and similar funds are accessible regardless of which supplier the customer is currently with.
In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland is a free advice service funded by the Scottish Government. It offers home energy assessments, advice on grants such as Warmer Homes Scotland, and signposting to interest-free home energy loans. Home Energy Scotland is the Scottish equivalent of the Energy Saving Trust English service.
In Northern Ireland, NIE Networks operates the electricity distribution system and the Utility Regulator oversees pricing and consumer protection. NEA Northern Ireland provides energy advice to vulnerable households. The Department for Communities Affordable Warmth Scheme funds insulation and heating improvements for eligible homes.
Putting It All Together
The rules above set out the legal framework, the practical steps and the support routes available. Where the situation is straightforward, the gov.uk pages and the official tools should be enough to act on. Where the situation is more complex, the free advice services listed in the previous section can usually clarify the position and identify the right next step. Many issues that look intractable at first turn out to be resolvable once the right service is engaged.
Keeping written records of communications and decisions throughout is good practice. Where a decision needs to be challenged later - through an internal complaint, an ombudsman, a tribunal or a court - the quality of the contemporaneous record often decides the outcome. Dates, names, reference numbers and copies of correspondence are the building blocks of any later dispute. The gov.uk advice pages and the relevant ombudsman or tribunal websites all set out the evidence they consider when reviewing decisions, and gathering that evidence from the start is one of the most effective protections available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Outfox the Market still operating?
Yes. Outfox the Market survived the 2021 wholesale price crisis and remains an active domestic energy supplier in Great Britain. Its customer base is smaller than the big six suppliers but it continues to take new customers.
How do I switch to or away from Outfox?
Through any new supplier or through the Ofgem switching service. The new supplier handles the process. Switches typically complete in around five working days under current Ofgem standards.
Does Outfox offer fixed-rate tariffs?
Sometimes. Fixed-rate offers depend on the wholesale price environment and on whether Outfox is acquiring new customers. The supplier website lists current tariff options.
Are there exit fees?
Typically not on variable tariffs. Fixed-rate tariffs usually have an exit fee, normally between 25 and 75 pounds per fuel. The tariff terms include the exit fee where applicable.
How can I check current customer service ratings?
Citizens Advice publishes quarterly star ratings of all UK energy suppliers on their supplier comparison page. The ratings cover complaints, switching and customer service.
Can I get a smart meter from Outfox?
Yes. Outfox participates in the national smart meter rollout. Installation is free and booked through the customer service team. Some areas have longer waiting times.
How do I switch energy supplier?
Switch through any new supplier or through the Ofgem-backed switching service. The new supplier handles the process. Switches normally complete in around five working days under current Ofgem rules.
What if Outfox goes out of business?
Customers would be transferred to a Supplier of Last Resort under the Ofgem framework. Service continues without interruption. The new supplier is appointed by Ofgem within days of the original supplier exit.
Does Outfox offer green tariffs?
Most UK suppliers including Outfox offer tariffs labelled as renewable or green. The labelling reflects the supplier obligation to match customer consumption with Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). The Ofgem Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin scheme regulates these.
Is my energy account safe if Outfox stops trading?
Yes. The Ofgem Supplier of Last Resort framework ensures continued supply if a supplier exits the market. Customers are transferred to a new supplier within days.
How We Verified This
Information is based on Ofgem supplier monitoring data, the Citizens Advice supplier star ratings, the supplier own published tariff and customer service information, and Ofgem default price cap announcements. No customer-specific recommendations are made; tariff comparisons should be carried out by the customer for their own postcode and usage.