Tomato Energy, a small British energy supplier, has entered administration following ongoing financial difficulties.

To help affected Tomato Energy customers, NFU Energy’s Utility Contracts team has outlined what is happening, what to expect next and how to ensure you stay on the best possible contract.

As always, our team remains committed to provide impartial, professional support and guidance to anyone impacted by this situation.

Why has this happened?

In September Ofgem (the energy regulator) restricted Tomato Energy from taking on new customers or offering tariff quotes, after the firm accrued over £3 million in debt. The regulator also issued a £1.5 million fine for failing to maintain sufficient liquidity, leading the company to begin the process of appointing administrators.

With no viable alternative to meet Ofgem’s requirements, Tomato Energy has now ceased trading.

What happens now?

When a supplier goes into administration, Ofgem appoints a new supplier under its Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) process to protect customers. The SoLR is usually a household name that is deemed capable of managing the issues.

If you are with Tomato Energy, don’t worry, your energy supply will continue uninterrupted. Any credit balances may be protected and transferred to the new supplier.  

The SoLR can choose whether it will honour the previous contract as the previous supplier, provide an alternative from their own portfolio or put customers on a default tariff.

These can often be more expensive, so it’s important to review your options within the 28-day cooling off period once you’ve been transferred to make sure you secure the best available rates.

What to do now

• Take meter readings and keep a photo or note for your records.
• Don’t cancel Direct Debits as this could cause additional delays to any switch. The new supplier will contact you about payments.
• Wait before switching until the new supplier has confirmed your account setup. NFU Energy can compare options across the market and support with the switch to ensure a smooth transition.
• Keep documents handy, recent bills, contract details, and any correspondence with your energy supplier.
• Speak to an expert, if you are unsure about your contract or next steps, contact us for clear, tailored advice.

How NFU Energy supports you

• A trusted partner to navigate uncertainty with confidence
• Access to fast-track quotes from multiple vetted suppliers
• Expert advice on terms rates and renewals tailored to your requirements
• Ongoing support with billing, renewals and energy management