Drax has announced a decision to stop selling gas to its SME business customers.

In its latest report on the group’s financial results, the company stated: “To support the group’s ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, a decision was made in January 2023 to phase out the group’s gas supply contracts in the Opus Energy part of the customers business.

“Having already ceased acquiring new gas customers, following internal processes and a regulatory-driven 60-day grace period, no renewable contracts will be offered after May 2023.

“It is anticipated that the portfolio will reduce by over 50% by the end of 2023 and be almost entirely gone by the end of 2024.”

Opus Energy, which is part of Drax Group, had previously said all existing gas contracts would be honoured and “the necessary support will be provided to help customers to find an alternative supplier to take over their gas supply”.

ELN asked Drax to comment further on its decision to exit the gas supply business – the company declined. However, it said it would support its customers to switch to other suppliers when they needed to.