Can an energy supplier refuse me as a new customer?
In principle yes — suppliers are market parties, not utilities. But you ALWAYS have a right to supply: the backstop supplier steps in if no commercial party will.
Energy suppliers may refuse you on credit-risk grounds (BKR rating, past non-payment), but may NOT discriminate on GDPR-prohibited grounds. Refused? Request the reason in writing — credit refusal falls under GDPR art. 22 (automated decision-making) with rights to explanation + human review. If no commercial supplier accepts, the backstop steps in via ACM assignment. You then receive supply at the model tariff until you find a commercial party. You cannot choose the backstop; ACM assigns per bankruptcy or refusal. For consumers with payment issues: debt assistance + early notification to the supplier often prevents refusal.