Dorset energy firm accuses regulator of playing a role in its collapse
Ofgem warns households that gas prices are likely to be "high for some time"
A Dorset energy firm has gone out of business.
Utility Point, which is based in Poole, supplied gas and electricity to 220,000 customers.
Regulator Ofgem said another supplier would be appointed to take them on.
The company employs 200 people.
The demise of Utility Point marks a further deterioration in the domestic supply market that has now seen four companies collapse this month alone amid a natural gas crunch.
Experts have pointed to difficulties restoring stocks following a cold end to last winter, exacerbated by low levels of wind over the summer forcing up demand for gas.
Gas-fired power accounts for almost half of the UK's electricity generation.
The gas shortfall is set to be reflected in household bills in future as consumers' fixed price deals expire.
An Ofgem spokesman warned: "We do expect that gas prices will remain high for some time, unfortunately putting pressure on both customers and energy companies."
Utility Point had accused Ofgem of playing a role in its collapse
Chief executive Ben Bolt told Sky News: "Recent international and national circumstances have created a perfect storm of events in the energy market which has meant that Utility Point has not been able to find a buyer for its business.
"Wholesale energy prices have soared to record levels and with the added price cap on default tariffs, the costs of supplying energy have increased dramatically.
"With every supplier undercharging for energy means that the fair cost that the regulator was trying to encourage has in fact had the opposite effect.
"This mix of unfortunate circumstances and lack of commercialism in the industry made it impossible to continue.
"With great sadness, Utility Point will cease trading.
"Our priority is with our 200 colleagues in Poole and Bournemouth, who have fought hard in the face of tough challenges and helping 225,000 customers transfer to another energy provider with minimal disruption."