The Energy Direct office in Whanganui's St Hill St has closed, with the loss of 30 jobs.
It's sad to see it go, Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall said. But he understands some of the staff, mainly call centre workers, have other jobs already.
Energy Direct was a small energy business, supplying electricity and gas to people in Whanganui and other areas. It was owned by Whanganui District Council and got consistently high ratings for its customer service.
Mr McDouall said owning an energy company was "an extraordinary risk" for the council. The company risked going out of business and closing in debt.
In 2013 councillors were unanimous in agreeing it should be sold to bigger energy company Trustpower, for $16.5 million.