Ofgem protects customers of failed supplier Spark Energy Supply Limited
Press release
Spark Energy Supply Limited, a domestic energy supplier with about 290,000 customers, has ceased trading in the energy supply market.
Under Ofgem’s safety net, the energy supply of Spark Energy’s customers will continue as normal. The outstanding credit balances of domestic customers will be protected.
Ofgem will choose a new supplier to take on Spark Energy’s customers as quickly as possible. This supplier will contact these customers shortly after being appointed.
Ofgem’s advice to Spark Energy’s customers in the meantime is:
- Do not switch to another energy supplier.
- Take a meter reading ready for when your new supplier contacts you.
This will make the process of transferring customers over to the chosen supplier, and paying back their outstanding credit balances, as smooth as possible.
Mary Starks, Ofgem’s Executive Director for Consumers and Markets, said:
“Our message to energy customers with Spark is there is no need to worry, as under our safety net we will make sure your energy supplies are secure and your credit balance is protected.
“Ofgem will now choose a new supplier and ensure you get the best deal possible. Whilst we’re doing this our advice is to ‘sit tight’ and don’t switch. You can rely on your energy supply as normal. We will update you when we have chosen a new supplier, who will then get in touch about your new tariff.
“Although we have seen a number of supplier failures this year, our safety net procedures are working as they should to protect customers.”
This also follows news earlier this week of Extra Energy, an energy supplier with about 108,000 domestic and 21,000 business customers, having ceased to trade. Ofgem is in the process of choosing a new supplier to take on Extra Energy’s customers as quickly as possible.
Earlier this week, Ofgem launched an investigation into Spark Energy’s non-payment into the government’s Renewable Obligation schemes. The investigation will now close.
Updates are available from our website or through our twitter feed @ofgem.
Customers who have questions should visit the FAQs on our website at www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-safety-net. Or if they need additional support, call Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06 or email them via their webform. Alternatively, get in touch through Ofgem’s facebook or twitter feed @ofgem.
Notes to editors
- Spark Energy’s customers should take meter readings today and wait until their new supplier contacts them. Once they’ve been contacted, customers can ask to be put on their new supplier’s cheapest deal or shop around for a better deal from another supplier. They won’t be charged exit fees for switching away from their new supplier.
- Ofgem's safety net will make sure customers will always have an energy supply, credit balances are protected and that the process in moving over to the appointed supplier is as smooth and hassle free as possible.
Further information
For media, contact:
Michelle Amos: 0207 901 1881
Media out of hours mobile: 07766 511470 (media calls only)
For investors, contact:
Martin Young: 0207 901 7114
About Ofgem
Ofgem is the independent energy regulator for Great Britain. Its priority is to make a positive difference for consumers by promoting competition in the energy markets and regulating networks.
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