Ruby Energy Should Your Business Switch?
Independent Analysis to Help You Decide
Ruby Energy (formerly BES Utilities) serves 40,000+ UK businesses. But is it right for YOU? We provide unbiased, independent analysis of their services, regulatory history, fuel mix, and pricing — so you can make an informed decision. We're not affiliated with Ruby Energy, and we don't work with them as a partner. Instead, we help you evaluate them against 28+ other suppliers we work with.
Understanding Ruby Energy Before You Decide
Regulatory history, current status, and how they compare to alternatives
We've analysed Ruby Energy and compared them against our network of 28+ UK suppliers. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision about whether they're right for your business.
Understanding Ruby Energy's History
Ruby Energy rebranded from BES Utilities in August 2024 to distance itself from serious historical issues. The original BES companies faced Ofgem enforcement for contract and billing breaches (2015), including failures to communicate terms clearly to micro-business customers. Previous ownership also faced criminal fraud convictions in 2023. Current management (Jamie Pilley as director) is different from the convicted operators, but the historical context is important when evaluating the supplier.
The BES Fraud & Ofgem Settlement (2015-2023)
In 2015, Ofgem investigated BES and found breaches across contract terms, customer communications, and complaint handling. BES agreed to pay £980,000 in settlement, including £311,000 in consumer compensation. Criminal investigations revealed that from 2014-2016, BES operated a telesales fraud targeting small businesses with misleading contract terms. The previous director was sentenced to 13 years in prison for fraudulent trading in 2023, after which the company rebranded to Ruby Energy.
Ruby Energy's Current Position
Ruby Energy operates the same company entities (with same company numbers) but under new management. The convicted director (Andrew James Pilley) resigned in May 2023. Jamie Robert Pilley became director of the rebranded Ruby Energy companies, with a new external director (Andrew Charles Roe) appointed in February 2025. Current Trustpilot ratings show 4.5/5 stars. However, customers from BES contracts remain bound to their existing agreements unless they've been specifically released.
Green Energy & Sustainability
Ruby Energy's electricity fuel mix is 63% natural gas and 13% coal — well above UK averages — with only 8% renewables (vs 43% nationally). If sustainability and green energy are business priorities, Ruby Energy's fuel mix is significantly less green than many competitors in our network.
Ruby Energy's rebrand in 2024 followed serious historical issues including Ofgem enforcement and criminal fraud convictions related to previous BES operations (2015-2023). While the convicted director has resigned and new management is in place, this history means due diligence is essential. Review your contract terms carefully, understand renewal dates, and compare rates with other suppliers before committing.
Ruby Energy's Current Offering
Despite its history, Ruby Energy does offer flexible contract options and maintains a 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating. The management change in 2023-2025 appears to have brought different operational focus. For new customers (not locked into legacy BES contracts), Ruby Energy may be viable. However, if you want to compare Ruby Energy against better alternatives — with stronger sustainability credentials, more stable pricing, or superior service records — we can provide independent quotes from our entire supplier network.
Get Comparison QuotesWhy Compare Through Smart Energy Company
We're brokers, not suppliers. We help you evaluate Ruby Energy alongside 28+ alternatives to find what's truly best for your business.
We don't have a stake in any supplier — including Ruby Energy. Our job is to help you make the best decision for YOUR business, not to push you toward any single provider.
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We work with 28+ energy suppliers. Ruby Energy is just one option. We'll benchmark them against competitors with better pricing, stronger sustainability, superior service records — and show you all your options side-by-side.
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We don't profit if you pick Ruby Energy or any specific supplier. Our revenue comes from your business, so our recommendations are genuinely independent. All quotes include our commission upfront — no surprises.
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No generic online quotes. We benchmark your usage against 28+ suppliers and provide tailored quotes within hours — so you see real options based on your actual consumption, not algorithms.
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Whether you're considering Ruby Energy or comparing alternatives, we review terms, flag risks, and explain implications. You'll understand renewal dates, exit clauses, and pricing structures before committing.
11+ Years as Independent Energy Brokers
We've helped hundreds of businesses navigate energy procurement — helping them understand Ruby Energy, switch away from bad deals, and find suppliers that truly fit their needs. Our reputation is built on honest advice, not sales targets. Whether you want to work with Ruby Energy, explore alternatives, or get out of a problematic contract, we provide the same unbiased guidance. 100% 5-star Trustpilot reviews from businesses like yours.
Ruby Energy: Should Your Business Switch?
Our independent broker analysis of Ruby Energy's strengths and concerns to help you decide
As independent energy brokers, we've compared Ruby Energy against our network of 28+ UK suppliers. We don't work with Ruby Energy as a partner, so this analysis is completely unbiased. Here's what businesses need to know before making a decision:
Pros
Flexible Contract Options
Offers both fixed and variable contract terms, so you can choose pricing protection or flexibility based on your business needs.
Established Provider
Serves 40,000+ UK business customers with proven relationships across industries. Long operational history (since 2002).
Online Account Management
24/7 online portal access to view usage, billing, meter readings, and contract details. Previous BES accounts carry over.
Smart Meter Options
Smart meters available for improved billing accuracy and consumption visibility — no mandatory requirement.
Current Trustpilot Rating
Ruby Energy currently maintains a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot with positive recent reviews, suggesting improved service post-rebrand.
Renewable Energy Options Available
Green tariff options for businesses prioritising sustainability (though fuel mix is less green than many competitors).
Cons
Serious Historical Issues
Previous ownership faced criminal fraud convictions (2023) and Ofgem enforcement (2015) for contract breaches and misleading sales practices targeting small businesses.
Company Address Concerns
Registered at Fleetwood Town Football Club — same location as the original BES companies. Suggests operational continuity rather than clean separation.
Legacy BES Contracts Still Binding
If you're locked into a BES contract, you remain bound by those terms under Ruby Energy unless specifically released by the company.
Limited Green Energy Focus
Fuel mix: 63% natural gas, 13% coal, only 8% renewables. Significantly less green than UK average (43% renewables nationally).
Rebranding Timing Questionable
Rebrand to Ruby Energy in August 2024 came after criminal convictions (2023) and Ofgem settlement (2015). May be reputation management rather than genuine restructure.
Management Continuity Questions
While convicted director has resigned, other individuals from BES era remain in director positions, raising questions about operational independence.
Need Help Deciding on Ruby Energy?
Our broker recommendation: Given the historical concerns and limited green credentials, most businesses find better value elsewhere. We can provide independent quotes from suppliers with cleaner records, stronger sustainability profiles, and more competitive pricing. Get transparent comparison quotes with no bias or hidden agendas.
Get Independent Supplier ComparisonRuby Energy Fuel Mix Disclosure
Understanding the energy sources behind Ruby Energy's supply (April 2023 - March 2024)
By law, all UK energy suppliers must disclose their fuel mix annually. This shows you where your electricity comes from — fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables, or other sources. Understanding Ruby Energy's fuel mix helps you make an informed decision about whether their energy sources align with your business values and sustainability goals.
Fuel Sources Breakdown
April 2023 - March 2024
Environmental Impact Comparison
CO2 Emissions
Radioactive Waste
What Ruby Energy's Fuel Mix Means for Your Business
Breaking down the environmental and financial implications
Higher Carbon Footprint
Ruby's 452g CO2 per kWh is 120% higher than the UK average. Switching here significantly increases your carbon footprint.
Heavy Fossil Fuel Reliance
84% from fossil fuels means less stability and higher exposure to rising fuel costs during energy transition.
Below-Average Renewable Content
Only 6% renewable vs 42.1% UK average. If sustainability matters to your business, this supplier falls short of industry standards.
What This Means for Your Bills
Heavy gas dependence exposes you to market volatility. Less renewable hedging means lower price stability than diversified suppliers.
Looking for a Greener Alternative?
If Ruby Energy's fuel mix doesn't align with your sustainability goals or risk tolerance, we can help you compare suppliers with better environmental credentials and pricing stability.
Compare Green SuppliersWeekly Energy Market Recaps
Stay on top of weekly market trends
Get a comprehensive 5–7 day breakdown of UK gas and electricity market movements, price trends, and what it means for your renewal strategy. Updated every Friday with forward contract analysis and expert forecasting.
Latest Insights on Ruby Energy
See our latest blogs on Ruby Energy (formerly BES Utilities) to keep in the know and up to date!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby Energy
Everything you need to know before considering Ruby Energy as your supplier
Ruby Energy's fuel mix (April 2023 - March 2024) consisted of: 70% natural gas, 14% coal, 4% nuclear, 6% renewable, and 6% other sources. This is significantly more fossil fuel-dependent than the UK average, with only 6% renewable energy compared to the national average of 42.1%.
Ruby Energy rebranded from BES Utilities in August 2024. However, the company's history includes serious regulatory enforcement. The former BES operation faced Ofgem enforcement action in 2015 (£980k settlement including £311k consumer compensation) and criminal fraud convictions were secured in 2023 against previous leadership. The current management changed in May 2023, and a new external director was appointed in February 2025. Due diligence is recommended before switching.
Ruby Energy currently holds a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot. However, it's worth noting that the company underwent significant changes post-2023, including management restructuring. The ratings reflect current performance, but the company's BES history should be considered alongside current reviews.
Ruby Energy's CO2 emissions are 452g per kWh, which is 120% higher than the UK average of 205g per kWh. This is significantly above industry standards and means your business would have a substantially larger carbon footprint if you switched to Ruby. If sustainability is important to your business, you should explore suppliers with lower fossil fuel dependence and higher renewable content.
Yes. Ruby's fuel mix is heavily weighted toward fossil fuels (84% from coal and gas combined), with minimal renewable energy (6% vs 42% UK average). This means: high carbon emissions (120% above average), exposure to volatile gas markets, and limited hedging through renewables. If your business has ESG commitments or sustainability goals, Ruby Energy falls significantly short of industry benchmarks.
While fuel mix alone doesn't determine price, it does influence long-term stability. Ruby's heavy dependence on natural gas means the company is more exposed to gas market volatility. With limited renewable energy hedging, you may face less price stability compared to suppliers with diversified energy sources. This can translate to higher renewal rates when energy costs spike.
No. Smart Energy Company does not work directly with Ruby Energy. We provide independent analysis and information to help you make informed decisions. However, we work with 28+ other UK energy suppliers and can help you compare alternatives that may offer better rates, sustainability credentials, or stability. Contact us to discuss suppliers that might be better suited to your business.
In 2015, Ofgem investigated BES Utilities and found breaches of customer contract terms and complaint handling obligations. BES admitted the breaches and agreed to a £980k settlement, including £311k in direct consumer compensation. Additionally, criminal fraud convictions were secured in 2023 against previous leadership for fraudulent trading (2014-2016). The company has since rebranded and changed management, but this history should inform your decision.
That depends on your priorities. Ruby's pros: established provider with 40,000+ customers, 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating, flexible contracts, 24/7 online management. Cons: significant regulatory and fraud history, very high carbon footprint (120% above average), minimal renewables (6%), heavy fossil fuel dependence, exposed to gas market volatility. If price is the only factor, you should compare quotes from other suppliers. If sustainability or stability matter, there are better alternatives.
Smart Energy Company works with 28+ suppliers across the UK. Depending on your priorities, you can find suppliers with: better environmental credentials (higher renewable content), greater stability (diversified fuel sources), competitive pricing (based on your consumption), and verified customer service records. Contact us to discuss your options. We provide unbiased analysis and tailored quotes from suppliers we actually work with.
Simply fill out the form on this page or get in touch directly. Tell us about your business, locations, current consumption, and priorities (price, sustainability, stability, etc.). We'll compare rates from our network of 28+ suppliers and provide same-day bespoke quotes. No hidden commissions—all pricing is transparent and includes our fee. There's no obligation to switch.
We provide independent analysis across 28+ suppliers so you see all your options in one place. We benchmark quotes to ensure you're getting the best rate for your consumption and business profile. We have no ties to any one supplier, so our advice is genuinely unbiased. We handle all the admin, negotiate on your behalf, and provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Plus, we're available 24/7 if you have questions about your contract.
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