Rebel Energy Failure

fuzzzzy

I signed a fixed term contract with Ebico at the end of january, a contract with low standing charges because I am a low energy user.

I have just tried to submit meter readings today and see there is an announcement on the Ebico website to say that their energy partner Rebel Energy has ceased trading. Not surprised really, I still have not made a payment yet as they seemed unable month after month to set up my direct debit.

The announcement says that Ofgem has initiated its normal procedures for these circumstances and will select an alternative supplier to take on responsibility for customer's supply contracts.

What usually happens in these situations. Will the tariff I signed up for still be honoured? Or will I just be put on the new suppliers tarrif? 

TroubledTarts

If you have made no payment then your energy will be priced at the price cap and the not the contract you signed up to.

Make sure you keep all start readings and proof of usage for when that bill arrives.

brook_heather

You will probably be moved to the default capped tarriff of whichever supplier picks up the customers.

fuzzzzy

Great. I guess it is going to take a while to sort before I can switch to another fixed tarrif then.

Scot_39

As a general rule no -  you will in general end up swtiching to the deemed - cap rate contract.

And potentially even for your meter type (in a situation where you had arranged say single rate for an old e7 meter - some were iirc bounced back to e7).

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/what-happens-if-your-energy-supplier-goes-bust

"Your new supplier will start you off on a special ‘deemed’ contract. These can be more expensive, so your bills could go up, but Ofgem will try to get the best possible deal. You’re not locked into the deemed contract – you can change tariff or supplier at any time"

Note the part about taking readings - and I'd even try to get everything bill wise off the old ebico site if you still have access - if don't have them by post or email.

People have had complications about outstanding claims after other SoLR moves from appointed administrators.

fuzzzzy

I have actually only had one bill off them by e-mail which I was in dispute about due to the opening readings being incorrect. 

I never managed to get an account actually set up because the instructions given on the bill did not work.

I had been with Ebico many years ago, with a no standing charge contract, and had no problems. 

Rebel Energy have been a disaster from the start. I should have seen this coming.

MadMatt1976

HI

I have just bought a flat and today when I got the keys from the estate agent he informed me the supplier is Rebel Energy. As a new owner, how do I switch or who do I send a meter reading as they have gone under?

Thank you

MattMattMattUK

MadMatt1976 said:

HI

I have just bought a flat and today when I got the keys from the estate agent he informed me the supplier is Rebel Energy. As a new owner, how do I switch or who do I send a meter reading as they have gone under?

Thank you

Take a photo of the meter(s) and record the meter reads. You will need to wait for a SoLR to be appointed before you can actually do anything further though. 

lohr500

Just seen that British Gas has been appointed as SOLR.

bagand96

MadMatt1976 said:

HI

I have just bought a flat and today when I got the keys from the estate agent he informed me the supplier is Rebel Energy. As a new owner, how do I switch or who do I send a meter reading as they have gone under?

Thank you

The advice from @MattMattMattUK is the best take photos of the meter displaying all reads as soon as you can and then keep them.  Supplies are being moved to British Gas.

Normally you'd now get in touch with the supplier to advise them you're taking over the property, provide your opening read and set up an account.  It will be slightly more drawn out as you're caught in the middle of the SoLR process  - Rebel won't be able to do that, and British Gas won't yet have all the account/property details set up.

British Gas have already set up a help page with FAQs Supplier of Last Resort - British Gas.  They say 5 days to transfer accounts, it might be worth you waiting until the end of this week and then getting in touch with them.  Hopefully from there should be easy for you as you can open a BG account and not have to deal with any of the Rebel/SoLR stuff as that will be the previous occupier.

WBCPB

lohr500 said:

Just seen that British Gas has been appointed as SOLR.

OMG, those poor Rebel Energy customers, time to switch away ASAP.