Npower to launch new online supplier

Big six supplier Npower is to launch the UK’s first “digital energy supplier” by partnering with New Zealand energy firm Meridian Energy.

The licensing agreement will bring the online only Powershop brand and platform, already operational as a subsidiary of Meridian Energy in New Zealand, to the UK domestic market.

Powershop will offer consumers increased control of their energy purchasing through the online shop and smartphone app.

Powershop customers will have the opportunity to buy their energy online, either paying before or after the energy is consumed, and will also be able to buy discounted “blocks” of energy, known as “Powerpacks”.

A spokesperson for Npower said the new supplier would begin operating from the middle of next year.

Npower will provide commodity and non-commodity risk management to the partnership, and support ongoing operations after launching the new brand.

A spokesperson for Npower said the new supplier would begin operating from the middle of next year after the platform is customised for the UK market.

Npower’s managing director, domestic markets Simon Stacey said the announcement “a unique proposition for British energy consumers.”

“The Powershop brand and platform has successfully challenged the preconceived notion of how energy suppliers operate in New Zealand and Australia, and we hope the same will happen here in Britain.

“Over the next several months Powershop will customise, rigorously test and integrate their systems for the British market and supporting operations before making products available to customers to ensure a smooth launch and great customer experience.

“We will start small, but there is no doubt that this is an exciting opportunity for both businesses and the advent of a next generation of energy company and Britain’s first digital energy supplier.”