Bristol Energy has promoted its head of information services to managing director following its sale by Bristol City Council last month.
Richard Orna, pictured, spent 10 months as part of the troubled firm’s executive team leading up to its acquisition by Together Energy.
Ethical energy firm Together Energy, based in Clydebank, Scotland, paid £14m for Bristol Energy’s assets in a deal that maintained services to its 155,000 residential customers and secured the jobs of 110 frontline workers based in Bristol.
Prior to joining Bristol Energy, Richard Orna spent just over three years at Bristol Water, where he had responsibility for technology.
He also worked for Bristol City Council for five years as a title policy and project manager and a self-assessment and inspection manager.
He replaces Allan Booth as Bristol Energy managing director. Mr Booth, a business ‘troubleshooter’, was brought in by the city council in March to oversee its sale.
Richard’s immediate priority in his new role at Bristol Energy will be to ensure a continuity of customer service following the change in ownership and to delivering Together Energy’s ambitious plans for the business.
Together Energy CEO Paul Richards said: “It’s been a challenging time for Bristol Energy but we are focused on looking to the future and how we can continue to bring innovative services to customers and ensure they receive good value and 100% renewable electricity.
“Richard’s combined knowledge of the business and his skills set will enable us to ensure that continuity of service as well implement our growth strategy. We are delighted that he is on board.” 
Richard added: “It’s a fresh start for the business and Together Energy share the ethos and values we all strive for which was a key attraction for me. We will continue our commitment to be a force for social good as well as delivering a greener future.”
Bristol Energy was set up by Bristol City Council in 2015 as a national gas and electricity company. The idea was to build a sustainable energy company with social value at its heart.
But while it grew its portfolio of 100% green renewable energy to 74 contracts with independent, renewable generators, the council was forced to pump £35m into it to keep it afloat as its loses piled up.
Together Energy has said following the acquisition there will be no change for Bristol Energy customers, who will continue with the same tariffs and service under the retained Bristol Energy brand.
Bristol Energy’s 4,000 business customer accounts were sold in August to Nottingham-based Yü Energy for £1.34m.
