A statement on Orbit Energy’s website confirmed that it had ceased trading. It said: “Orbit Energy is ceasing to trade. Ofgem, the energy regulator, is appointing a new supplier for its customers. Customers need not worry, their supplies are secure and funds that domestic customers have paid into their accounts will be protected if they are in credit.”

A statement on Entice Energy’s website said: “Entice Energy, comprising both Entice Energy Supply Limited and Simply Your Energy Limited, is ceasing to trade. Ofgem, the energy regulator, is appointing a new supplier for its customers.”

The collapse of the two firms comes just days after Bulb, the UK’s seventh largest supplier, announced it was to enter special administration.

Tashema Jackson, energy expert at Energyhelpline.com, said: “The energy crisis has claimed another two suppliers with the news that Orbit Energy and Entice Energy have ceased trading today, as wholesale prices remain unprecedentedly high.

“This now takes the total number of customers affected to 3.8 million, while 27 suppliers have left the market in 2021 from the 52 which were trading this time last year.

“Unfortunately, in a bad week for the industry following Bulb being put into administration yesterday, these two suppliers are unlikely to be the last to go under with more likely to suffer a similar fate in the weeks to come.

“Customers of Orbit and Entice will understandably be concerned, but can rest assured that their energy supply will continue, the lights won’t go off and any credit balances they have are protected. Ofgem will appoint a new supplier in the next couple of days.

“Affected households should grab a meter reading today and then another on the day their new supplier contacts them – it can also be useful to have your latest energy bill to hand too.”