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
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:
- Visit the energyadvice.scot website
- Call 0808 196 8660 or use their online webchat
- Email energyadvice.scot
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.