Gas retail

Citizens Advice says microbusinesses still need more support with debt

Microbusinesses need more support from Ofgem on debt-related issues, a principal policy manager at Citizens Advice has told Utility Week. The energy regulator recently unveiled a series of measures designed to protect millions of microbusiness customers from “unscrupulous” energy brokers, as well as enabling smoother switching.

Nottingham City Council absorbs £24m loss from Robin Hood Energy

Nottingham City Council has absorbed a loss of more than £24 million from its investment in Robin Hood Energy, mainly by writing off loans to the supplier. The company is currently undergoing a strategic review in which “all options” for the business are being considered.

Prepayment and default tariff price caps to be merged

People’s Energy to create 100 jobs after taking over Ovo office

Edinburgh-based challenger brand People’s Energy is creating 100 new jobs in Selkirk after taking over the recently vacated Ovo Energy offices in the town. Husband and wife founders of People’s Energy, Karin Sode and David Pike, said they spotted an opportunity when Ovo closed its Ettrick Riverside building in May.

Energy Ombudsman sees complaints rise by a quarter

Tonik Energy launches smart EV charging bundle

Effortless Energy enters credit default

Challenger brand Effortless Energy has entered level two credit default. According to the Balancing and Settlement Code administrator Elexon, the company entered default yesterday morning (30 July) and at the time of writing has still not cleared.

Customer Centric: Zebra Power

In the latest in our Customer Centric interview series Adam John speaks to Mark Royle, co-founder and chief executive of Manchester-based Zebra Power. From ensuring a swift response to enquiries to making every effort to retain its young workforce, Royle tells Utility Week about the secrets to their success.

Moody’s takes dim view of Direct Energy sale by Centrica

Moody’s has changed its ratings outlook for Centrica from stable to negative, following the British Gas owner’s decision to sell its North American retail business. The ratings agency said the reduction in diversification and scale will leave the group with more risk.

Ofgem to strengthen protections for microbusinesses

Ofgem has unveiled a series of measures designed to protect millions of microbusiness customers from “unscrupulous” energy brokers, as well as enabling smoother switching. The announcement follows Ofgem’s review of the microbusiness energy market which it started last year.

Charities awarded £2.9m of energy redress funding

Centrica deal ‘undervalues North American business’

Centrica’s deal to sell Direct Energy “undervalues” the North American business, a City analyst has told Utility Week. The British Gas owner has recently revealed it has struck a deal with US-based NRG Energy to sell its North American retailer for $3.625 billion (£2.85 billion).

Good Energy to launch heat pump tariff

Centrica sells North American business to focus on UK

Centrica has agreed to sell its North American subsidiary Direct Energy as part of a move to focus on the company’s core UK and Ireland activities. In its first half results for 2020, the company said Covid-19, coupled with low commodity prices, has had a “significant impact” on financial performance.

E refunds customers after blocking switches

E (Gas and Electricity) incorrectly blocked 361 prepayment customers who had received discretionary credit from switching to another supplier, resulting in a compliance case with Ofgem. The energy regulator has since closed the case after E took action.