London, Jan 13, 2026, 10:31 GMT
- Consumer Energy Solutions has gone into administration and ceased trading, putting nearly 300 jobs at risk
- Administrators reported the company’s business model took a hit as ECO4-funded projects are coming to an end
- The UK’s retrofit supply chain is already preparing for whatever comes after ECO4 ends in March 2026
Consumer Energy Solutions, an energy-efficiency contractor based in Wales, has gone into administration and stopped trading immediately, according to a company statement. The move puts nearly 300 jobs at risk across Swansea and Treorchy. (ITVX)
The collapse is significant because the UK’s Energy Company Obligation programme, ECO4, supports a big chunk of retrofit projects — covering everything from insulation to heating system upgrades — and is set to continue until March 31, 2026. The scheme requires medium and large energy suppliers to push home improvements that cut bills. (Ofgem)
Joint administrators Jimmy Saunders and Michael Lennon from KR8 Advisory took charge on Jan. 9, with the company ceasing operations the same day, they confirmed. The firm had 295 employees spread across Swansea, Bangor, and Treorchy, most of whom were laid off immediately. Saunders pointed to the government’s choice not to extend ECO4 beyond March 2026 as a factor that “compounded” the company’s troubles. (Insider Media Ltd)
Administration is a UK insolvency procedure where an external party takes control of a company, aiming to rescue it, sell it off, or close it down. For staff and customers alike, this usually sparks a hectic rush to secure pay claims, gather paperwork, and get answers.
A local newspaper reported that City Energy Group, the owner of the business, had alerted staff their jobs were at risk just days before Christmas amid plans for a restructure. An employee described the reaction as “in turmoil” following the announcement on a Teams call. (Magzter)
Consumer Energy Solutions informed customers it will no longer complete work, carry out remedial repairs, or handle complaints. Administrators are set to reach out to creditors and employees with details on the next steps. The company advised former customers to contact insurance-backed guarantee providers for guidance, depending on their installation type. (Consumer Energy Solutions Limited)
Consumer Energy Solutions is registered as a private limited company with Companies House, incorporated in January 2016 and based in Swansea. Its upcoming accounts deadline is January 31, 2026. (Find and Update Company Information)
The policy landscape has been shifting for months. Back in August, a government consultation suggested pushing ECO4’s deadline out by six to nine months, saying it would help keep support flowing to households and offer the supply chain steadier footing. But the department hasn’t released its decision yet. (Gov)
Saunders serves as a managing director at KR8 Advisory and is recognized by the firm as a licensed insolvency practitioner. (KR8 Advisory Ltd)
The way forward remains unclear. Administrators might attempt to offload portions of the business or its assets, but without a swift buyer, more projects could stall. On top of that, redundancy payouts may drag on as they make their way through the process.
