Ofgem appoints British Gas to take on customers of People’s Energy
Press release
Publication date
Industry sector
Supply and Retail Market
Ofgem has appointed British Gas to take on supplying People’s Energy’s approximately 350,000 domestic customers and around 1,000 non-domestic customers. This follows a competitive process run by Ofgem to get the best deal possible for customers.
Outstanding credit balances, including money owed to both existing and former domestic customers of People’s Energy will also be honoured.
For existing People’s Energy customers, energy supplies will continue as normal after they switched over to British Gas on 19 September 2021.
Customers of People’s Energy will be contacted over the coming days about the changes. If customers wish to switch supplier they can shop around, but are advised to wait until the transfer has been completed. Customers will not be charged exit fees if they decide to switch to another supplier.
Neil Lawrence, Ofgem’s director of retail, said:
“I am pleased to announce we have appointed British Gas as the new supplier for customers after People’s Energy entered insolvency. We understand that this news may be unsettling for customers, however they do not need to worry. Their energy supply will continue as normal, and all domestic customer credit balances held on their accounts will be protected by British Gas.
“Your energy supply will not be interrupted. British Gas will be in contact with customers next week with next steps. Once transferred to British Gas, customers can ask to be put onto another tariff, but should customers wish to switch, we advise waiting for the transfer from People’s Energy to be completed.”
People’s Energy customers can access more information at www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/peoples-energy.html or by calling 0333 202 1052 for credit customers and 0333 202 9742 for PAYG customers. In an emergency please use the emergency contacts listed at www.britishgas.co.uk/help-and-support/emergencies
British Gas will be in touch with customers with direct debits to explain how to set up their account. Customers are advised not to cancel their direct debits as British Gas will aim to transfer these.
More information for People’s Energy customers can be found on the Ofgem website.
The supplier of last resort process will allow British Gas to recover the additional costs of taking on People's Energy's customers, where appropriate. British Gas has committed that it will do everything it can to minimise those costs.
Notes to editors
- People’s Energy customers will be supplied by British Gas as of 19 September 2021. British Gas will work with People’s Energy’s administrators to set up customer accounts as soon possible. British Gas will be in touch with customers in the coming days.
- Any questions People’s Energy customers have should be directed to www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/peoples-energy.html or by calling 0333 202 1052 for credit customers and 0333 202 9742 for PAYG customers.
- British Gas will honour the credit balances of current and former domestic customers of People’s Energy.
- Current and former customers who owe money, or are in debit to People’s Energy should wait to hear from People’s Energy’s administrators.
- The new supplier will be in touch with customers with direct debits to explain how to set up their account.
- Customers can find support and advice on the Ofgem website. Alternatively, if they need additional support, they can call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or email them via webform, or get in touch through Ofgem’s facebook or twitter feed @ofgem
Further information
For media, contact
Ben Tritton: 07388 851167 / ben.tritton@ofgem.gov.uk
Media out of hours mobile: 0792 882 9894 (media calls only)
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