Millions of people in the UK might be sitting on extra cash without even knowing it. If you pay for your gas or electricity by direct debit, a quick look at your energy account could help you get £200 or more back into your pocket.
Why You Might Have Extra Credit
When you pay for energy by direct debit, your supplier usually takes the same amount every month, no matter how much gas or electricity you use. During the warmer months, your energy usage drops, but you keep paying the same monthly amount. This builds up credit on your account.
That credit is meant to help cover higher bills during the winter, when energy usage is much higher. But now that the cold months are over, many households are finding they’ve built up more credit than they need.
Time to Check Your Energy Account
Experts say now is the perfect time to check how much credit you’ve got. You can do this by logging into your energy supplier’s website or app.
If your credit is more than £200, it’s worth asking your supplier to give some of it back. In fact, according to experts, the average household could be owed £200, and some might get even more.
What the Experts Are Saying
Gordon Wallis from Your NRG explains:
“Many people don’t realise they’re actually lending money to their energy supplier. If you’ve built up a big credit balance and your usage has dropped, now’s a good time to take back control.”
He added: “If you’ve been in credit for more than a month and your meter readings are up to date, you’re within your rights to ask for a refund. It’s your money — and with energy prices still high, every pound counts.”
Are You Eligible for a Refund?
To get a refund, make sure of the following:
- You’ve been in credit for more than one month
- Your meter readings are current and accurate
- You request the refund directly from your energy supplier
Most energy companies allow you to request a refund online, or you can contact them by phone or email.
Should You Adjust Your Direct Debit?
If you’ve built up a lot of credit, it might be a sign that your monthly direct debit is set too high. Ask your supplier if you can lower your payments so you’re not overpaying in the future.
You can also switch to a variable payment plan that adjusts based on your actual energy usage.
Checking your energy account takes just a few minutes and could put hundreds of pounds back into your bank account. With the cost of living still high, this small step could make a big difference. Always make sure your meter readings are up to date and don’t be afraid to ask for what’s rightfully yours. After all, it’s your money — not the energy company’s.
FAQs
How can I check my energy credit balance?
You can log into your energy supplier’s website or app to view your account and see how much credit you’ve built up.
How much credit can I claim back from my energy supplier?
Many households can claim back around £200 on average, though some may get even more depending on their account balance.
Can I get a refund if I’m in credit for just one month?
Yes, if your meter readings are up to date and you’ve been in credit for over a month, you can request a refund from your supplier.
Will requesting a refund affect my future payments?
It might. If you claim a refund and still use a lot of energy, your monthly direct debit could go up later to cover new usage.
Can I lower my direct debit payments if I’m always in credit?
Yes, you can ask your supplier to lower your payments if you’re building up credit regularly and your energy usage is low.
