Utility Point and People's Energy collapse: what happens next for customers

Utility Point, based in Poole, Dorset, supplies gas and electricity to 220,000 customers across the country.

The company's demise has come at the same time as Scotland-based People’s Energy, which about 350,000 domestic customers and 1,000 non-domestic customers.

Separately, the regulator also ordered Avro Energy to comply by sending it financial information, or risk having its licence removed.

Merck House, Seldown, Poole. Picture: Google Maps/ Street View

The energy supply and credit balances of Utility Point and People’s Energy customers will be protected under Ofgem’s safety net.

What should I do if I am affected?

The regulator said affected customers will be contacted by their new supplier, which will be appointed soon.

Until then, they are advised not to switch to another supplier and have a meter reading ready for when their new supplier contacts them.

The development came after fellow suppliers PfP Energy and MoneyPlus Energy went bust a week ago.

Ofgem director of retail Neil Lawrence said: “Although the news that a supplier going out of business can be unsettling, Utility Point and People’s Energy customers do not need to worry.

“Under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies continue. If you are a domestic customer with credit on your Utility Point or People’s Energy account this is protected and you will not lose the money that is owed to you.

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“Ofgem will choose a new supplier for you and while we are doing this our advice is to wait until we appoint a new supplier and do not switch in the meantime. 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.”

What is the advice from Citizens Advice?

Gillian Cooper, head of energy policy for Citizens Advice, said: “The failure of Utility Point and People’s Energy leaves more than half a million customers facing uncertainty. With the energy price hike and cut to Universal Credit due in the next fortnight, this comes at a hugely unsettling time for many.

“With more customers affected at one time than ever before, Ofgem must provide support and protection – especially for those worried about their finances.

“If you’re a customer of a failed supplier, Ofgem will move you on to a different one. This can take a few weeks, but your gas and electricity supply will continue in the meantime.

“Your new supplier will contact you and it’s good to be prepared beforehand. Take a note of meter readings, keep old energy bills and make a note of your account balance.

“Wait until your new supplier is appointed before cancelling any direct debits. This should all make the transition easier.”