EDF takes on Green Network Energy’s domestic customers, and British Gas Evolve get Simplicity’s

What happened?

The two challenger energy suppliers became the first to close their doors in 2021 due to both having entered credit default with the gas and electricity network operator Elexon last month. This means that they didn't have enough credit to cover the cost of trading gas and electricity to supply its customers. 

“The energy market is not immune to the tough environment many businesses are facing as the pandemic continues to take its toll on the economy. Unfortunately, Green Network Energy, Simplicity Energy and their 410,000 combined customers are the latest to be impacted,” said Peter Earl, head of energy at Compare the Market.

Also read: Green Network Energy and Simplicity Energy cease trading, Symbio Energy to be fined £100,000 for late Renewables payments

The SoLR process

Under Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) powers is in place to ensure that consumers do not suffer any loss of supply if their chosen energy supplier exits the market. With the energy supply sector being highly competitive the powers offer some security to consumers.

Once a supplier shutters it has the option to do a trade sale of its customers but when this is not possible, or the time frame does not allow it Ofgem will step and implement SoLR to ensure a smooth transition.

Energy suppliers open to taking on new customers are first assessed by the regulator to ensure that they have the capacity and ability to manage the influx of new customers. The new supplier must also be able to prove that it can fulfil its other obligations without difficulty.

Also read: What is a Supplier of Last Resort? (SoLR)

Why EDF and British Gas Evolve?

According to Ofgem EDF and British Gas Evolve can offer competitive tariffs to the customers of the two former suppliers.

EDF and British Gas also have the ability to honour outstanding credit balances, including any money owed to customers of Simplicity and EDF. The ability to pay off what the two closed suppliers owed to environmental schemes also played its part with EDF agreeing to pay the outstanding Warm Home Discount rebates to the 12,000 eligible former customers of Green Network Energy.

“I am pleased to announce we have appointed EDF for the customers of Green Network Energy, and British Gas Evolve for customers of Simplicity Energy. Their energy supply will continue as normal, and domestic customer credit balances will be honoured. Both new suppliers will be in contact with customers over the coming days with further information. Once the transfer has been completed, customers can shop around for a better deal if they wish to,” said Philipa Pickford, Ofgem’s director of retail.

Several energy suppliers have shuttered over the course of the last year due to a number of factors. The Covid-19 pandemic has increased pressures on many suppliers with most reporting an increase in the number of customers unable to pay their energy bills.

Renewable Obligations and other environmental scheme costs has also been a major driver for many suppliers going bust. 

Further Reading 

Small Energy Suppliers beat the big companies, and Octopus Energy is dethroned from top spot of the
Which? Energy companies’ satisfaction survey

65% of customers on prepay meters concerned over rising energy costs

Number of Consumers switching Energy Supplier fell 6.5% in 2020

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