@kev-m, we are still/were with them until and they took their direct debit yesterday – cheeky. I wonder who we'll get assigned to. Who did you switch to?

@editor I'm waiting on utility point to refund me £350

The messages that I'm getting from Octopus state that any money owed is guaranteed by OFGEM. I will wait until the transfer has taken place and then look at the options available.

Wow, it really is interesting times. Looks like we might be left with 8-10 providers at this rate, all of which charge premium tariff fees.

Posted by: @editor

@kev-m, we are still/were with them until and they took their direct debit yesterday – cheeky. I wonder who we'll get assigned to. Who did you switch to?

@editor Mars, you could try a DD Charge back with your bank.  The way Symbio work you're likely to be in credit even if you do this. Some advice from another forum recommends doing this:

1. Log in to your symbio account
    a) Take a screen shot of the "my meter readings page" - all your submitted historic meter readings are there
    b) Take a screen shot of your "my payments" page - all your direct debit payments are there
    c) take a screenshot of the "tariff" page. - where it clearly states your unit rate and standing charge
2. Ensure you have all your symbio bills (or at least first and last) - you can still try and click the button for it to be emailed now before the website goes offline

I went with Neon Reef; another company likely to go bust unfortunately.

@editor Hi Mars,

Unfortunately this is one of the consequences of the self-centered, 'just in time' world in which we live. Some years ago I worked on a control system upgrade for the Rough storage field operated by Centrica. Rough is the name of a depleted gas field located in the North Sea, which was  then used for gas storage. In the Summer months when gas was plentiful and probably cheaper, it was pumped down the hole, the gas was then retrieved in the Winter months to supply the increased demand. I do believe that it was shutdown in 2017. What you may call 'good forward planning'.

I think that the government should be made up of Scientists, Engineers and Economist, whom I feel would be much better at forward planning than the bunch of idiots we have on both sides of the aisle, in fact probably throughout the world.

I mean, who would have guessed that the demand for energy would increase as the world started to re-emerge from all the lockdowns?

Symbio going bust means I lose my cheap deal 13.29p/kw and 17p/day. E-on is offering a deal for 2 years 23.17p/kw and 46.96p/day.

Over a 100% increase in less than a year. I'll need to wait until Ofgem allocates a replacement company, but I suspect the price will be dearer than E-On's current offering.

@prjohn, the tariffs have definitely gone nuts. It's going to be a very interesting winter indeed.

Posted by: @prjohn

Symbio going bust means I lose my cheap deal 13.29p/kw and 17p/day. E-on is offering a deal for 2 years 23.17p/kw and 46.96p/day.

Over a 100% increase in less than a year. I'll need to wait until Ofgem allocates a replacement company, but I suspect the price will be dearer than E-On's current offering.

Your replacement company will put you on a variable tariff at the Ofgem cap.  It will be around 21p/kWh and 25p per day standing charge.  If you choose a fixed deal it will be more, but you don't have to. 

The is an interesting graphic that explains the domestic energy industry. It pre-dates the latest increases but illustrates why so many companies and going bust. 

Posted by: @prjohn

Symbio going bust means I lose my cheap deal 13.29p/kw and 17p/day. E-on is offering a deal for 2 years 23.17p/kw and 46.96p/day.

Over a 100% increase in less than a year. I'll need to wait until Ofgem allocates a replacement company, but I suspect the price will be dearer than E-On's current offering.

Worst case you can go onto the price capped standard variable rate with whoever takes over Symbio as per the ofgem rules.

There is more about this on the ofgem website. 

You won't see many companies offering this rate now for new customers, but the new suppliers picking up the failed companies have to offer it. 

Of course it depends on whether you think energy prices will increase and if it is worth trying to lock in now. 

Hi

So many Symbio (should I now say ex) customers on this forum but where to go from here? I see Flipper have closed so no help there. I've tried a number of suppliers and comparison sites but when you put in Symbio everything locks down.

I have signed up with Zebra this morning (there is a 14 day cooling off period) and looking now at Eon which is cheaper.

Would be grateful if anyone finds something favourable and passes it on. I'll post anything I find.

Good luck