Four more energy suppliers go bust

Omni Energy, MA Energy, Zebra Power and Ampoweruk have announced they are the latest energy companies ceasing to trade.

Omni Energy supplies around 6,000 domestic pre-payment customers, MA Energy supplies around 300 non-domestic customers, Zebra Power supplies around 14,800 domestic customers, Ampoweruk  supplies around 600 domestic customers, and around 2000 non-domestic customers.

Under Ofgem’s safety net, customers’ energy supply will continue and funds that domestic customers have paid into their accounts will be protected, where they are in credit. Domestic customers will also be protected by the energy price cap when being switched to a new supplier.

Neil Lawrence, Director of Retail at Ofgem, said “Ofgem’s number one priority is to protect customers. We know this is a worrying time for many people and news of a supplier going out of business can be unsettling.

“I want to reassure affected customers that they do not need to worry: under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies continue. If you have credit on your account the funds you have paid in are protected and you will not lose the money that is owed to you.”

“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 tariff.”

“Any customer concerned about paying their energy bill should contact their supplier to access the range of support that is available.”

The four companies are the latest energy suppliers to go under as increased gas prices have made price promises to customers undeliverable.

A total of 19 energy suppliers, mostly smaller firms, are thought to have gone bust since August, affecting about two million customers.