Small energy firm Zog Energy goes bust leaving 11,700 customers in the lurch

SMALL energy firm Zog Energy has gone bust leaving 11,700 UK households without a supplier.

The company announced today that it's ceasing to trade, becoming the latest casualty of the ongoing energy crisis.

Energy companies are struggling due to an "unprecedented increase in global gas prices".

More than 20 gas and electricity firms have gone bust since September, impacting more than 4million households.

Orbit Energy and Entice Energy both collapsed last week, leaving 70,400 customers in the lurch.

Bulb, the UK's seventh biggest energy firm with 1.7million customers, also went bust in November.

Zog Energy customers should not panic as your energy supply will continue and funds will be protected, energy industry regulator Ofgem confirmed.

Ofgem will appoint a new supplier, which will get in touch with you directly.

In the meantime you should take a meter reading and don't be tempted to preemptively switch suppliers.

There's no point switching at the moment as there are no cheap deals on the market, and you'll be put on the standard variable tariff protected by the energy price cap.

Neil Lawrence, director of retail at Ofgem, said: “Ofgem’s number one priority is to protect customers.

"We know this is a worrying time for many people and news of a supplier going out of business can be unsettling.  

“I want to reassure affected customers that they do not need to worry, under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies continue."

What should I do if my energy supplier goes bust?

If you're a customer of Zog Energy, your supply will continue.

Ofgem will find a company to take over your supply. The new firm will contact you directly so you don't need to take any action.

Don't be tempted to switch in the meantime as you won't be able to find anything cheaper than the energy price cap at the moment.

You should just take a meter reading and screenshot any credit in your account to make the eventual switching process easier.

Mr Lawrence added: "Ofgem will choose a new supplier for you and while we are doing this our advice is to wait until we appoint a new supplier and do not switch in the meantime.

"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 tariff. 

“Any customer concerned about paying their energy bill should contact their supplier to access the range of support that is available." 

Which energy suppliers have collapsed this year?

• Zog Energy - December 1
• Entice Energy - November 25
• Orbit Energy Limited - November 25
• Bulb - November 22
• Neon Reef Limited - November 16
• Social Energy Supply Ltd - November 16
• Omni Energy Limited - November 2
• Zebra Power Limited - November 2
• Ampoweruk Ltd - November 2
• Bluegreen Energy Services Limited- November 1
• GOTO Energy - October 18
• Daligas - October 14
• Pure Planet - October 13
• Colorado Energy - October 13
• ENSTROGA - September 29
• Igloo Energy - September 29
• Symbio Energy -September 29
• Avro Energy - September 22
• Green Supplier Limited - September 22
• People's Energy - September 14
• Utility Point - September 14
• PFP Energy - September 7
• MoneyPlus Energy - September 7
• Hub Energy - August 29
• Green Network Energy - January 27
• Simplicity Energy - January 27