Energy direct debit checker
Many households pay a fixed monthly direct debit for energy that does not reflect their actual consumption. This can mean overpaying for months and building up credit with your supplier, or underpaying and building up debt. This tool checks whether your direct debit is roughly right.
Check your bank statement or your supplier account for your current monthly amount
Find this on your annual statement, which your supplier must send each year.
From your annual statement
Log into your supplier account or check your latest bill. Enter a negative number if you owe money.
Enter your monthly direct debit and last annual bill total to see whether your payments look roughly right.
Why do suppliers set direct debits incorrectly?
Energy suppliers forecast your annual usage and divide it into equal monthly payments. When actual usage differs from the forecast, due to a mild winter, a new appliance, or changes in household size, the direct debit quickly diverges from actual cost. Suppliers should review direct debits annually but this does not always happen automatically.
Can I overpay my direct debit on purpose?
Some households deliberately overpay their direct debit slightly to build up credit before winter, when gas consumption is highest. This is a personal choice. Your supplier must repay any credit balance if you request it, and must do so promptly under Ofgem rules.
Estimate your full annual bill with the annual bill estimator.
Compare tariffs while you review your costs
While you are reviewing your energy costs, it is also worth comparing tariffs to see if a cheaper deal is available.