Thousands of customers of collapsed energy firm Rebel Energy are being transferred across to British Gas, the regulator Ofgem has confirmed. British Gas will take on 84,000 domestic customers and 6,000 non-domestic customers.
If you’re a Rebel Energy customer, your energy supply will continue as normal and if you have credit in your energy account, this will be transferred across to British Gas. You will be moved to British Gas’ standard variable rate (SVR) tariff but you can choose to switch suppliers once the transfer has been completed.
Martin Lewis‘ MoneySavingExpert.com website says any SVR tariff will likely be more expensive than the cheapest fixes on the market at the moment, so it recommends doing a comparison to find your best deal once you’ve been moved over. You won’t be charged exit fees if you do decide to switch away from the new supplier.
British Gas will be in touch with customers in the coming days. If you owe money, or are in debit to Rebel Energy, you should wait to hear from British Gas for further instructions. MSE is urging Rebel Energy customers to download all their latest bills now, so you have them for your records.
Tim Jarvis, Director General for Markets at Ofgem, said: “Making sure consumers face as little disruption as possible when a supplier exits the market is our number one priority, so I am pleased to confirm we have appointed British Gas for customers of Rebel Energy. While I know customers may be concerned, they do not need to worry.
“All credit balances remain protected, and there will be no interruption to their energy supply while the switch is taking place. Rebel Energy customers will be placed onto a competitive tariff, though should consider what’s right for them once the transfer is complete. They will also face no exit fees if they choose to switch to another supplier.”
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Alex Belsham-Harris, head of energy policy at Citizens Advice, said: ”Don’t try to switch suppliers or cancel direct debits, as this can cause issues, and take a meter reading if you’re able to. The Government and Ofgem must ensure customers of Rebel Energy who’ve fallen behind on bills continue to access affordable repayment plans.”
A notice on the Rebel Energy website reads: “Rebel Energy is ceasing to trade. Ofgem, the energy regulator, is appointing a new supplier for our customers.
“Customers need not worry; your supplies are secure and funds that domestic customers have paid into your accounts will be protected if you are in credit.
“Ofgem’s advice is not to switch, but to wait until they appoint a new supplier for you. This will help make sure that the process of handing customers over to a new supplier, and honouring domestic customers’ credit balances, is as hassle free as possible.
“Support and advice is available on the Ofgem website for both domestic customers and non-domestic customers. Alternatively, if customers need additional support in England and Wales, they can call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or email them via their webform. In Scotland, they can contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 196 8660 or email them via their webform.“
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