British Gas to take on Simplicity Energy's 50,000 customers

Energy regulator Ofgem has appointed British Gas Evolve – the big-name supplier's online-only brand – to supply Simplicity Energy's 50,000 customers, with the switchover already underway, having started on Sunday 31 January.

If you were with Simplicity Energy, your gas or electricity supply will not be cut off and is already being provided by British Gas Evolve, and any credit you have will be protected. British Gas Evolve is in the process of getting in touch with all those affected.

The tariff British Gas Evolve is moving Simplicity Energy customers to is pricey for most, but Ofgem says it's best you don't switch away yet, and instead wait until British Gas Evolve has confirmed the transfer is complete and your new account has been fully set up – which usually takes a few weeks at least. This is so you avoid any issues as the new supplier will be trying to automatically port everyone over.

Once your account is fully set up with British Gas Evolve, use our free Cheap Energy Club to see how much you can save by switching.

What tariff will British Gas Evolve put me on and is it any good?

British Gas Evolve has told us that you’ll be placed on a tariff called ‘Simplicity Promise’, which comes with 100% renewable electricity and will cost on average £1,041/yr on typical dual-fuel use – the same price as British Gas’s standard tariff and just £1 under the current energy price cap.

It says there will be no price rises before April 2022 and it offers two weeks of free electricity (worth an average £22 based on typical use), paid as a bill credit after six months if you stay with the firm that long.

However, the cheapest tariff on the market right now is E.on at £923/yr on typical use, including £25 Cheap Energy Club cashback – £119/yr cheaper than your new British Gas Evolve tariff.Your new tariff won't have exit fees, so once British Gas Evolve has confirmed you've been transferred across and your account is all set up, you can find another deal.

How do I do a comparison to check whether the tariff is any good? 

We've only just received the full rate info (prices vary regionally, so this can be complex), so we're working on adding the tariff details into Cheap Energy Club so you can do a full comparison yourself. It should be done within the next week or so and we'll update this story when it's ready. 

I was in credit/debit with Simplicity Energy – will I get it back?

British Gas Evolve will honour all credit balances. You can continue to use this to offset future energy use, or request a refund.

Ofgem says if you owed Simplicity Energy money, you should wait to hear from Simplicity Energy's administrators or from British Gas Evolve. You'll need to repay any debt on your account that you've accrued up to Sunday 31 January to Simplicity Energy, its administrator or to British Gas Evolve.

What if I'd already started to switch to/away from Simplicity Energy?

If you were in the process of switching away from Simplicity Energy at the point it stopped trading, the switch should continue as normal – there's nothing you need to do.

Similarly, if you were in the process of switching to Simplicity Energy, you'll be moved over to British Gas Evolve. Once that completes, assuming we have all the details over from British Gas Evolve, you can do a Cheap Energy Club comparison to find a new cheap deal.

What if I've already cancelled my direct debit with Simplicity Energy?

If you did, British Gas Evolve will be in touch to reinstate it over the next few weeks.

If you haven't cancelled your direct debit with Simplicity Energy, it should be moved over when you are fully transferred to British Gas Evolve.

If you need any further support, there's a comprehensive set of FAQs on the British Gas Evolve and Ofgem websites.