Buying energy via a broker or aggregator — safe?

Brokers and aggregators bundle customers for a collective rate — sometimes via an established supplier, sometimes as own Balance-Responsible Party. Four checks: (1) Who is the ultimate supply contractor? Read the agreement — if nobody is named you're exposed on broker bankruptcy; (2) Does the broker hold an ACM supply license or operate as intermediary? Intermediary = no own responsibility for supply; (3) What are the exit terms? Brokers often tie to long-term price arrangements — exit costs reservation or stepped fees; (4) Who is your point of contact on complaint? Many brokers vanish after sale and redirect you to the ultimate supplier. For energy collectives (e.g. Hollandse Wind, municipal initiatives): often GOOD deals but read terms.