Belfast energy firm Open Electric stops trading

The company has not said why it has been forced to go into administration - all of its customers will now have their energy needs supplied by Power NI.

The electricity provider Open Electric has had its licence revoked by the Utility Regulator, after the company went into administration.

The firm has 1'113 customers in Northern Ireland.

Their supply has been transferred to Power NI.

Open Electric has not said why it was forced to stop trading.

Jenny Pyper, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator said customers of Open Electric will not experience any disruption to their electricity supply.

"All of Open Electric’s customers have now been switched to Power NI, which is the nominated supplier under the contingency arrangements established for this kind of situation by the Utility Regulator, Power NI and NIE Networks.

“We have been carefully watching market developments in general, particularly over the last few weeks, and have been speaking with suppliers. As soon as we decided that Open Electric’s licence should be revoked, we activated established arrangements to ensure that affected customers did not lose their electricity supply, and were transferred seamlessly to Power NI.

“Open Electric’s customers have now all been transferred to Power NI on the same tariff basis as Power NI’s existing customers. 

“Those customers who pay by Direct Debit or pay when they receive a bill, do not need to do anything further at present. However, they will need to contact Power NI to set-up their preferred payment option as bank details have not been passed on. Customers who have a Pay As You Go meter will need to contact Power NI to receive a new keypad number in order to top-up their meter, but their supply will not be affected.

Kerstie Forsyth from Power NI said they have taken steps to take on Open Electric Customers.

“We would like to assure the Open Electric customers that Power NI will look after them with no disruption to their supply.

“Customers who would have paid Open Electric by bill need do nothing, as a new account has been opened for them with Power NI and a welcome pack will be sent in the next couple of weeks."

John French, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council said it was unwelcome news for Open Electric customers.

“We would like to advise Open Electric customers that there will be no interruption to their electricity supply, as they will already have been automatically transferred to Power NI standard tariff and keypad customers transferred to the Power NI keypad tariff.”

“Power NI will be emailing Open Electric customers today informing them of the situation and what they need to do. The Utility Regulator has also produced a useful Questions and Answer factsheet, which is available on their website www.uregni.gov.uk.”