Shell Energy Retail has been appointed as supplier of last resort (SoLR) to the customers of recently failed supplier Green.
Ofgem announced that Shell, which already serves around 900,000 customers, will take on the 255,000 domestic and a small number of business customers this morning (27 September).
The news follows Octopus taking on 580,000 former Avro Energy customers in the biggest SoLR to date.
Shell Energy Retail chief executive Ed Kamm said: “We’re a well-capitalised supplier with long-term ambitions to help British households get to net-zero emissions.
“We’ve made it clear to Ofgem and BEIS that we are ready to play our part and help support customers of failed energy suppliers and work now turns to welcoming those customers and ensuring they have the best experience they can.”
Kamm added the usual advice about how former Green customers’ credit balances will be protected.
Meanwhile Neil Lawrence, the regulator’s director of retail, said: “I am pleased to announce we have appointed Shell Energy for the customers of Green Supplier Limited.
“We understand that this news may be unsettling for customers, however they do not need to worry. Their energy supply will continue as normal, and customer credit balances will be honoured.
“Shell Energy will be in contact with customers over the coming days with further information. Once the transfer has been completed, customers can switch if they wish to.”
So far this year a total of nine energy suppliers have exited the energy retail market, with experts predicting more will follow in the coming weeks and months.
Utility Week has launched the Energy Reset campaign, in a bid to ensure the current crisis results in real reform of the energy retail market.