Small providers such as First Utility, OVO have made an impact on the market by offering customers low-cost fixed rate bills that compete with the bigger providers.
The Co Operative has also now entered the market as Co-Op Energy aiming to save around £150 a year and receive a share in the profits twice a year - this year it is 1.8% of the amount spent.
Energy prices are again expected to rise up to 15% by the end of this year.