Citizens Advice, in its role as the official consumer watchdog for energy, has responded to news that Solarplicity has ceased trading.
Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“Solarplicity customers can be reassured that their electricity and gas supply will continue as normal. Ofgem will appoint a new supplier who will be in touch in due course. Customers should take meter readings and avoid switching right now as they may risk losing any refunds they might be entitled to.
“Solarplicity is the 12th domestic energy company to collapse in the last two years. Our research shows these failed companies left behind £172 million in unpaid industry costs, which will likely be picked up by other consumers through higher bills.
“The collapse of these firms revealed a major gap in consumer protections. The administrators of failed firms have not been subject to the same debt collection rules as energy suppliers. The government must take action and fix this problem.”
Toto energy customers
Last month Toto Energy took over the accounts of a number of Solarplicity customers, those customers should be unaffected by today’s announcement.
Consumer advice contacts
Customers can find more information on Ofgem’s website. Customers unsure of their next steps can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06. Please note, this service operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.