Breeze Energy becomes ninth supplier of 2019 to fail

Challenger supplier Breeze Energy has become the ninth energy retailer to exit the market this year.

Ofgem revealed Breeze, which had just under 18,000 domestic customers, entered the supplier of last resort (SoLR) process this afternoon (18 December).

Earlier today Utility Week revealed that the supplier was in double credit default with code administrators Elexon, having entered level two default on 16 December and level one default today.

Breeze was subject to a provisional order from Ofgem after failing to pay more than £486,000 in renewables obligation payments.

Ofgem would not confirm when asked if the supplier has paid any of the outstanding payment.

Furthermore, the supplier was revealed to owe more than £500,000 in capacity market payments.

Utility Week has contacted Breeze Energy but is yet to receive a response.

Philippa Pickford, Ofgem’s director for future retail markets, said: “Breeze Energy customers do not need to worry, as under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies are secure and domestic customers’ credit balances are protected.

“Ofgem will now choose a new supplier for you and whilst we’re doing this our advice is to ‘sit tight’ and don’t switch.

“You can rely on your energy supply as normal. We will update you when we have chosen a new supplier, who will then get in touch about your new tariff.”

Breeze joins Economy Energy, Our Power, Brilliant Energy, Cardiff Energy Supply, Solarplicity, Eversmart Energy, Rutherford Energy and Toto Energy, all of which have exited the market this year.