What happens if the energy supplier to your business goes bust?

Ofgem's safety net will ensure you’ll always have an energy supply

This page provides information on what happens when business energy suppliers go out of business. If you're a household energy customer, view our guidance here: What happens if your energy supplier goes bust

If your business energy supplier has gone bust

Take a meter reading, sit tight and don’t switch

You will continue to move to your chosen supplier if you already have a switch in progress.

Wait for Ofgem to appoint a new supplier

You don’t need to do anything. Your supply won’t be disrupted and it should only take us a few days, up to a maximum of 14 days. Ofgem’s safety net will protect your supply so you won’t notice anything is different. If Ofgem finds you a new supplier, your new supplier will contact you directly. 

In exceptional circumstances, we may appoint an administrator to run your existing supplier rather than move you to a new one. If this happens, your existing supplier will contact you about this and explain what is happening.   

When the new supplier contacts you

Ask about the business tariffs available to you with them. Before you agree to a new contract, you can also choose to shop around and switch if you want to. You won’t be charged exit fees.

Recent supplier exits and take-over suppliers

When

Old supplier

Customer base

New supplier

9 July 2022

UK Energy Incubator Hub (UKEIH)

  •  3000 domestic
Octopus Energy
18 February 2022 Whoop Energy
  • 50 domestic
  • 212 non-domestic

Yü Energy Retail Limited

18 February 2022 Xcel Power Ltd
  • 274 non-domestic

Yü Energy Retail Limited

18 January 2022 Together Energy Retail Ltd
  • 176,000 domestic
  • 1 non-domestic
British Gas from 24 January 2022

Your business energy supply

Account records and meter readings

Your business energy contract

Switching supplier

Business Energy accounts in debt or credit

Payments through direct debit

Complaints and contacts

Further help

Citizens Advice offers free, independent advice about business energy contracts and your rights in England and Wales. 

  • Call 0808 223 1133 or use their online webchat.
  • For textphone, dial 18001 followed by the helpline number. 
  • Someone at their Extra Help Unit could take on your case if you are having difficulties with a supplier and are in a .

You can also contact the government’s free Business Support Helplines

In Scotland, Advice Direct Scotland can help:

For energy efficiency advice, see our page Find business energy efficiency grants and schemes.

Ofgem's role

Read more about our powers to protect consumers when suppliers go out of business. 

How you’re protected when energy firms collapse

Publications and updates