Which? responds as Brilliant Energy ceases trading

Sarah Threadgould, Which? Chief Customer Officer, said:

“The collapse of energy firms is becoming far too commonplace and consumers must not be made to shoulder the costs for these failures. It is vital for the regulator to press ahead with measures to ensure that current and future suppliers are financially sustainable and able to deliver excellent customer service.

“Ofgem must ensure a smooth transition for those customers affected. People should not let energy suppliers going bust put them off shopping around for a better deal. Once affected customers have been moved to a replacement supplier, switching is still by far the best way to find a company that offers good customer service – and you could save more than £300.”

Notes to editors

• Ofgem protects customers of failed supplier Brilliant Energy: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgem-protects-customers-failed-supplier-brilliant-energy
• Customers looking for cheaper energy deals can compare deals with Which? Switch, a transparent and impartial way to compare energy tariffs and find the best gas and electricity supplier.
• Which? calculates that a medium user (using 3,100kWh gas and 12,000kWh electricity per year) on a dual-fuel default or tariff standard tariff at the level of the April price cap could save up to £324 a year by switching to the cheapest deal on the market. Based on tariffs available in all regions in England, Scotland and Wales, paying by monthly direct debit, with paperless bills. Data is from Energylinx and correct on 11 March 2019.
• Which?’s advice regarding what to do if your energy supplier ceases trading: www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/what-should-i-do-if-my-energy-supplier-goes-bust
• The results of Which?’s latest energy satisfaction survey can be found here: www.which.co.uk/energy-table

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