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If your business energy supplier goes bust, it can be worrying. Particularly if you’re already wrestling with high electricity and gas expenses. But the good news is that you won’t lose your energy supply, and Ofgem has rules in place to keep your business running smoothly.
In this guide, we explain why UK energy suppliers fail, what happens to your business electricity and gas, how long it takes to move to a new provider, and what you should do next. You’ll also find a list of suppliers that have gone into liquidation or ceased trading in the UK.
Why Do Business Energy Suppliers Close?
Staggeringly, more than 70 UK energy suppliers have gone bust or ceased trading since 2016. In many cases, suppliers fail because they don’t have the financial resilience to cope with:
Volatile wholesale energy prices
Government levies and regulatory costs
Increased customer demand
Supply disruption
Economic instability
What Happens if My Business Energy Provider Goes Bust?
If your supplier ceases trading, you won’t be cut off. Ofgem has a safety net to make sure your gas and electricity supply continues without interruption.
Here’s what happens:
1. Your supply continues
Your business electricity and business gas will keep flowing, with no risk of disconnection.
2. Ofgem appoints a new supplier
A new supplier (known as a Supplier of Last Resort) will be appointed provisionally within 72 hours and formally take over within 14 days.
3. Your contract ends
Your old contract stops immediately, and you’ll be moved onto a temporary contract with your new supplier. This will usually be on a deemed or variable rate, which may be more expensive.
4. You’re free to switch
Once the Ofgem-appointed supplier takes over, you can switch suppliers without paying exit fees. This is often the best time to compare business energy prices and secure a new deal.
What Should I Do If My Energy Supplier Stops Trading?
Ofgem recommends a simple three‑step approach:
1. Take a meter reading
This helps ensure your final bill is accurate. Taking a photo of your meter is even better.
2. Wait for your new supplier to reach out
They will explain your new contract, your rates, and what happens next.
3. Compare business energy tariffs
Don’t simply accept the first deal you’re offered. Deemed and variable rates are rarely competitive. This is the perfect time to shop around for cheaper business electricity and business gas prices.
How Long Does it Take to Switch to a New Business Energy Supplier?
It can take up to 14 days for Ofgem to choose and appoint a new supplier if your previous one went bust. During this period:
Your supply continues
Your old contract remains cancelled
Your meters still monitor your energy consumption, but smart meters may lose some functionality
What Happens If I Owe Money to My Previous Supplier?
If your account had a negative balance when your energy provider went bust:
You still owe the money
Your new supplier may take on the debt
The old supplier’s administrator may collect it
You may not be able to switch until the debt is resolved
Whatever the circumstances, you still have the right to request a repayment plan to make the cost more manageable.
What Happens If My Previous Supplier Owes Me Money?
Business customers are not guaranteed a refund like consumers are. What happens depends on who takes on the credit:
If the new supplier honours credit, they’ll refund you once your account transfers.
If not, you must register as a creditor with the failed supplier’s administrator. To do this, you’ll need:
Energy bills
Account statements
Meter readings
Frustratingly, refunds can take over a year and may not cover the full amount owed.
Which UK Energy Suppliers Have Gone Bust?
Below is a summary of the UK business energy suppliers that have ceased trading since January 2021:
Supplier | Date | Customers Moved To | Customers Affected (Including Domestic) |
Tomato Energy | Nov 2025 | British Gas | 23,000 |
Rebel Energy | Apr 2025 | British Gas | 90,000 |
Opus Energy | Sep 2024 | EDF | 90,000 |
UK Energy Incubator Hub | Jul 2022 | Octopus Energy | 3,000 |
Whoop Energy | Feb 2022 | Yü Energy | 262 |
Xcel Power | Feb 2022 | Yü Energy | 274 |
Together Energy | Jan 2022 | British Gas | 176,000 |
Zog Energy | Dec 2021 | EDF | 11,700 |
Zebra Power | Nov 2021 | British Gas | 14,800 |
Omni Energy | Nov 2021 | Utilita | 6,000 |
AmpowerUK | Nov 2021 | Yü Group | 600 |
Bluegreen Energy | Nov 2021 | British Gas | 5,900 |
CNG | Nov 2021 | Pozitive Energy | 41,000 |
Neon Reef | Nov 2021 | British Gas | 30,000 |
Social Energy | Nov 2021 | British Gas | 5,500 |
Bulb | Nov 2021 | Special administration | 1.5m |
Did Opus Energy Go Bust?
No. Opus Energy didn’t go bust, but ceased trading when EDF Energy took over its SME customers in 2024.
What’s the Difference Between Going Bust and Ceasing to Trade?
Going bust (liquidation): The company closes, assets are sold, and it’s removed from Companies House.
Ceasing to trade: The company stops operating in the UK, but may still exist legally and operate overseas.
