If your UK household energy supplier stops trading, your gas and electricity should keep flowing while Ofgem arranges a replacement supplier. Take a meter reading, keep your old bills and account records, then check the new supplier’s tariff, account balance and payment arrangements when it contacts you. A commercial sale or transfer is different from a supplier failure, so follow the specific notice you receive if your account is moving as part of an ordinary takeover.
First, find out what kind of takeover is happening
“Taken over” can describe either a commercial sale or a supplier failing financially. Ofgem’s household safety net applies when a supplier stops trading because of financial problems. In that situation, Ofgem normally appoints a Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR), using a bidding process to find a company able to take on the customers without harming its existing customers. Ofgem says suppliers leaving the market often arrange a trade sale instead; for a planned sale or account transfer, use the instructions in the supplier’s notice.
Ofgem says choosing a replacement could take a few days, but its detailed guidance allows up to 14 days. Follow Ofgem announcements and communications from the incoming supplier while the transfer is arranged. Ofgem’s guidance puts it simply: “You do not need to do anything. We will choose a new supplier for you.” Ofgem’s household supplier-failure guidance explains the process.
If Ofgem cannot use the SoLR route, it may seek an Energy Supply Administration Order under the Special Administration Regime. An administrator then runs the existing supplier while it is rescued, sold or its customers are transferred. Customers continue to receive and pay for energy, and household credit remains protected.
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- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power meter plug can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD Display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
What to do straight away
- Record your meter reading. Take a reading as soon as practical and save a dated photo or written note. Keep previous bills and account statements too; access to the old supplier’s online account may disappear. See Ofgem’s meter and account advice.
- Wait for the incoming supplier to contact you. It will explain how your account will be set up and what will happen to Direct Debit payments. Do not assume the former supplier’s payment instructions remain in place; check the new supplier’s instructions before changing or restarting a payment.
- Keep records until the account is reconciled. Retain old bills, meter photos, statements and payment records so you can check opening readings, final charges, credit and any debt.
- If you use a prepayment meter, keep topping up as usual during the appointment period. After the new supplier is appointed, ask it whether you need a replacement key card or token. These are supplier-specific, so do not buy a generic one.
Check how your meter will work
A smart meter may lose smart functionality when your account moves. It should continue to work as a traditional meter, but you may have to submit readings manually to the new supplier. Smart mode may return with a later tariff or supplier; do not assume it will work immediately after transfer. Check the incoming supplier’s instructions for how and when to provide readings.
For prepayment customers, topping up should remain possible while Ofgem appoints a supplier. Once the appointment is made, the new supplier can tell you whether your existing top-up method still applies or whether you need a new card or token.
Rank #2
- Multi-function power monitor: Our electric usage monitor can monitor the power (W), electricity(kWh), voltage(V), frequency(Hz), current(A), power factor(PF), unit price($/kWh), total cost($) of your appliances. By switching 8 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The “electricity” mode can calculate and display how much power your appliance uses. And the “total cost” mode will show how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Overload protection: When the loading power of the appliance is over the default overload threshold 1800W, the whole display with backlight and the word “OVERLOAD” will keep flashing to warn the users. Please turn off the appliance for safety concern
- Premium Material: The whole body of our energy meter is made of high-quality ABS material. It makes our home electricity usage monitor more long lasting, fireproof and anti-drop. The standard US socket and plug is suitable for all US standard appliances
- Backlight Display: With white backlight and black words, the LCD display of our home power monitor can display the data clearer and help you to read the data easier no matter day or night. The backlight will only lights up when the device is connected to AC power. If no button is pressed, the backlight turns off automatically after 10 minutes. You can also press the "UP" button to turn off the backlight manually, and press any button to turn on backlight again
- Easy to reset: No reset tool needed, our appliance power usage meter is easy to reset. You can press the “M” button for 5 seconds directly to reset the device. After reset, all cumulative data (electricity quantity, cost) will be cleared, and all settings will be restored to factory settings
Understand the new tariff and your options
If you do not agree another contract, the incoming supplier places you on a deemed contract. Ofgem says it will try to find a contract similar to your old one, but your old fixed deal does not automatically continue. The deemed contract is subject to the price cap, yet it can still cost more than your previous deal. Check the actual unit rates and standing charge in the new supplier’s terms rather than relying on the old tariff name. Ofgem’s guidance on deemed contracts says the deemed contract lasts six months, after which it must return to the supplier’s normal rate unless you agree a different contract; check your supplier’s current contract information.
You can ask the new supplier to move you to its cheapest available tariff, or switch to another supplier without an exit fee. The cheapest option may be with the incoming supplier or elsewhere. Compare the whole deal, not just a headline rate:
Rank #3
- SAFETY YOU CAN TRUST WITH UL CERTIFICATION: With Emporia Energy, your home energy monitoring is safe, reliable, and certified. The Emporia Vue is UL Listed, meaning it has met rigorous safety standards for electrical products in the U.S. and Canada. This certification ensures that every component has been thoroughly tested to prevent hazards, such as overheating, short-circuiting, or fire, offering you peace of mind as you manage your home’s energy consumption.
- INSTALLS IN CIRCUIT PANEL of most homes with clamp-on sensors. Supports Single phase, Single-split phase, and 2-wire systems. 3-wire systems; 3-phase, 4-wire Wye systems with earthed (TN or TT) neutral (no-Delta) are supported with an additional 200A sensor (sold separately).
- 24/7 ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING: Automate, manage and control your home's real power anywhere, anytime to prevent costly repairs, conserve energy, and save costs. Monitor solar / net metering. PROTECTED BY A 1-YEAR WARRANTY.
- LOWER YOUR ELECTRIC BILL: Configure settings in the Emporia Energy App to automate energy management for time of use, peak demand, excess solar, and rewards programs. You can even see live reporting and invaluable savings opportunities instantly. Gauge real-time spending and get actionable notifications and automated energy management to help you reduce costs.
- REAL-TIME ENERGY DATA: REQUIRES 2.4 GHz WIFI WITH AN INTERNET CONNECTION to monitor energy use with iPhone / Android / Web app. Vue sensors collect energy data and are accurate from ±2%. The Vue is UL and CE Listed for your safety. 1 second data is only available in the app (when actively open) and retained 3 hours. Minute and hour data are retained in the cloud. 1 minute data is retained 7 days, 1 hour data is retained indefinitely. Export cloud data whenever you want in the app.
- Unit rates and standing charges for gas and electricity.
- Whether the tariff is fixed or variable, and any exit fee or other conditions.
- Payment method and any meter requirements, including prepayment or smart-meter conditions.
- Estimated annual cost based on your household’s usage.
Ofgem says comparison websites can help you check available offers; its switching guidance explains what to compare. If you had already started switching when the former supplier stopped trading, Ofgem says you will still move to the supplier you chose.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check credit balances and debts separately
If your old account was in credit
For household customers transferred through the SoLR process, Ofgem’s rules protect credit balances. Your account details pass to the new supplier, which should contact you about the balance and any refund. The final bill and account closure may affect the amount or timing, so keep payment records and old statements until the figures are reconciled. Ofgem’s credit-balance guidance describes the household protection.
Rank #4
- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power meter plug can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
If your old account showed a debt
Whether you repay the incoming supplier depends on whether it agrees to take on customer debts. If it does, it will usually contact you about repayment arrangements. If it does not, you may still owe the former supplier or its administrator. Ask for written confirmation of who holds the debt and how the balance was calculated before making assumptions about where to pay.
If you are a business customer
Ofgem’s household credit protection should not be assumed to apply to businesses. Ofgem may try to appoint a supplier that covers some or all outstanding business credit, but repayment is not guaranteed. Use Ofgem’s separate business supplier-failure guidance for your account.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- ✓ Backlit LCD Display: The watt meter features an upgraded backlit LCD display with a 160° wide viewing angle, providing clear and distinct data readings from any angle, day or night. (Note: To conserve energy, the backlight will automatically turn off after 15 seconds of continuous use.)
- ✓ 9 Types of Data Display: This energy meter plug accurately monitors a wide range of electrical parameters, including power (W), apparent power (VA), energy consumption (kWh), usage time (hours), power frequency (Hz), power factor (PF), voltage (V), current (A), and electricity cost. The user-friendly interface allows you to easily read and navigate through 9 types of data with a single button.
- ✓ Save Money and Energy: By toggling through the 9 display modes, you can gain insights into various operational parameters of your devices. The home energy monitor also calculates and displays the electricity consumption and cost over time, helping you save on your electricity bills by monitoring and managing energy usage.
- ✓ Data Storage: The plug-in electricity meter stores all non-real-time data, ensuring no information is lost in the event of a sudden power outage. If data exceeds the screen’s maximum display range, the screen will flash as a reminder. Pressing and holding the reset button for 3 seconds will reset the cumulative data to zero.
- ✓ Safe to Use: Rated voltage 125VAC, 60Hz, 15A maximum 1875W resistor and tungsten wire, 1/2HP. Clean and tidy interface, very simple to use.
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