Yü Energy for business: the Ampower takeover and what it means for you

Many small businesses first met Yü Energy not by choice but because their supplier collapsed. This guide covers that episode, what it teaches about supplier failure, and the practical steps if you deal with Yü Energy now. Biz Energy is not affiliated with Yü Energy and does not rate it.

How Yü Energy took on Ampower's customers

The Energy Ombudsman records that Ampoweruk ceased trading on 2 November 2021 and that Ofgem appointed Yü Energy to take over its customers. This is called the supplier of last resort process: the regulator picks a replacement so supply carries on without interruption. Yü Energy's own FAQ for Ampower business customers says supply continued as normal and that customers did not need to do anything immediately.

In February 2022 Ofgem appointed Yü Energy Retail Limited again, this time for the domestic customers of Whoop Energy and Xcel Power. Those were household accounts, not business ones, but they show the supplier was used by the regulator more than once.

What happened to Ampower business contracts

From Yü Energy's FAQ at the time:

• The old Ampower contract ended when the account moved; customers were placed on a default plan and then offered fixed prices.
• Keep your direct debit and take a photo of your meter readings.
• Outstanding Ampower debts were still owed and collected by the administrators.
• Switching to another supplier was blocked for roughly two to three weeks during set-up, then possible without exit fees.
• SMETS2 smart meters were expected to keep working; older first-generation ones might lose smart functions.

Complaints about Ampower itself were not transferred. The Ombudsman says it is not accepting new Ampower disputes and that concerns about Yü Energy should go to Yü Energy first. Our page on what happens if your supplier goes bust generalises these points.

Dealing with Yü Energy today

Yü Energy Retail Limited is the supplier; its website links to Yü Group plc for investor information, and a comparison site describes Yü Energy as part of that group. It markets itself mainly to business customers, from microbusinesses to large and multi-site firms, and a comparison site says it supplies electricity, gas and commercial water. We have not checked its current product range in detail, so ask for what you need. Its website is yuenergy.co.uk; use the live contact page there rather than older numbers. Before calling, have your account number, MPAN or MPRN and your latest bill ready. See finding your MPAN and MPRN.

Lessons from a supplier failure

Whoever your supplier, a few habits protect you:

1. Pay by direct debit only for amounts you can check; review each bill against a meter reading.
2. Keep dated reading photos. If a replacement supplier takes over, they are your evidence.
3. Do not pay large advance sums or security deposits you cannot get back; see business energy security deposits.
4. Claim any credit balance promptly through the administrator's process.

Worked example of reading evidence: a café's last reading under the old supplier was 41,250 kWh. The new supplier's first bill starts at an estimated 41,900, which would treat 650 kWh (41,900 - 41,250) as used. Your photo showing 41,380 proves only 130 kWh were used, so dispute the other 520 kWh (41,900 - 41,380); at 27p/kWh that is £140.40 plus VAT. Read how to correct an estimated bill.

How Yü Energy says it handles complaints

Yü Energy's complaints handling procedure describes these steps:

1. Raise it by phone (the page lists 0115 975 8258, weekdays 9am to 5:30pm), in writing, by email or through the website contact form.
2. The complaints team aims to acknowledge within 1 to 2 working days and to give a full response within 10 working days, keeping you updated if it needs longer.
3. The same handler should stay with your case, and you can ask for a manager review if you are unhappy with the outcome.
4. If the complaint reaches deadlock, or after 8 weeks, you can go to the Energy Ombudsman if you are eligible.

Those are the supplier's own targets, not legal deadlines. Put your complaint in writing even if you start by phone, and quote your account number and complaint reference each time. Keep a log of dates so you know when the 8-week point arrives: a complaint made on 9 November 2026 reaches 8 weeks (56 days) on 4 January 2027.

Switching away and complaining

As always, there is no cooling-off period after you agree a new business contract. If you are on a default plan, you can leave without an exit fee; see how to switch. To complain, go first to the supplier, then after eight weeks or a deadlock letter to the Energy Ombudsman within 12 months, if you are a micro or small business.

Credit balances and debts when a supplier fails

If you are in credit

Ofgem said in the Whoop and Xcel case that domestic credit balances would be honoured; the position for business customers can differ and depends on the insolvency process. Keep statements showing your last balance and contact the administrators if told to. Our page on business energy refunds and credits sets out general routes.

If you owe money

Ampower's FAQ for business customers said outstanding debts remained payable and would be collected by the administrators. Do not ignore these, and if you cannot pay, ask for a payment plan: see what to do if you cannot pay.

If you want to leave

You do not need to wait for a long contract to expire if you are on a default plan. After set-up, you can switch. Compare options with the cost calculator, and read deemed contracts to see why default rates are often higher.

Smart meters after a transfer

First-generation smart meters can lose their smart functions when the supplier changes, and you may need a replacement; newer meters usually keep working. Ask the supplier whether your meter is still sending readings.

Next steps

• Check your contract type and end date.
• Keep readings and bills for at least 12 months.
• Compare the price on your plan against quotes at our calculator.