Brighter World Energy closes - what it means for customers

The company posted a statement on its website on 21 December announcing it had taken the "difficult decision" to close, adding: "We no longer believe that market conditions, or our underlying operation, make for a sustainable business model in the long term."

Brighter World Energy says customers' supply will continue as normal with Robin Hood Energy – the price you pay shouldn't go up, and if you're on a fixed tariff, that will continue until the end of the fix. However, if you want to switch you can do so without being charged exit fees – use our free Cheap Energy Club to find the market's top deals.

I'm a Brighter World Energy customer – what do I need to do?

You don't need to do anything as you'll be automatically transferred to Robin Hood Energy.

Brighter World Energy wrote on 21 December that the switch to Robin Hood Energy would happen within two weeks of the announcement – so for most customers, it should be about now. You should receive a Robin Hood Energy welcome pack that includes your new terms and conditions and details of how you can contact Robin Hood Energy.

As Brighter World Energy says any exit fees will be waived, this may be a good opportunity to check you're still on the cheapest tariff – use our free Cheap Energy Club to do so.

Will my tariff change in any way?

It shouldn't get any more expensive. Brighter World Energy says you'll be automatically transferred onto a Robin Hood Energy tariff which is identically priced or cheaper.

If you're on a fixed tariff, your tariff end date will not change – however, you won't be charged an exit fee if you want to switch away from Robin Hood Energy. Robin Hood Energy says you can do this at any time.

There'll be no change to the way you pay – so if you currently pay by direct debit, that will be transferred across to Robin Hood Energy, while if you pay on receipt of your bill that will also continue.

When will I get my final bill from Brighter World Energy?

This will arrive by the end of January. Brighter World Energy says you should ring 0800 028 2332 if you have any questions.

What if my account's in credit?

We haven't had an official answer to this yet, but when we called the Robin Hood Energy customer service team we were told customers will have a choice between having outstanding credit balances refunded or transferred across to their new Robin Hood Energy account.

How can I access my account and bills?

You can access old bills for your Brighter World Energy account until 21 February 2018 (although it actually says 2017 on its website) at www.brighterworldenergy.com in the 'My Account' section.

If you remain with Robin Hood Energy you'll need to register for a new online account.