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.
Common questions about energy direct debits
How do I know if my energy direct debit is correct?
Your direct debit should cover your estimated annual energy cost divided by 12. The quickest check is to compare your current monthly payment against your actual consumption. If your account is building up a large credit balance, your direct debit is likely set too high. If you are regularly in debit, it is too low. Your supplier must review your direct debit at least once a year and adjust it based on your actual usage.
Why has my energy supplier increased my direct debit?
Suppliers increase direct debits for three main reasons. Your account may have built up a debit balance that needs recovering. Your usage may have increased, particularly over winter months. Or your unit rates may have risen following an Ofgem price cap increase. Your supplier must give you notice before changing your direct debit and must be able to show how the new amount was calculated. If you disagree with the increase, contact your supplier and ask for a breakdown.
Can I reduce my monthly energy direct debit?
Yes. Contact your supplier and request a review. They must consider your request and can lower your direct debit if your account is in credit or if your usage supports a lower payment. They are not obliged to reduce it to a level that would leave your account in significant debit by your annual review date. If your supplier refuses a reasonable request, you can raise a complaint or contact the Energy Ombudsman.
What happens if my direct debit does not cover my energy use?
Your account builds up a debit balance. Your supplier will typically review this at your annual statement and either ask for a lump sum payment or increase your direct debit to recover the debt over the following months. If the debt becomes significant, your supplier must contact you to agree a repayment plan you can afford. They cannot demand immediate full payment.
My account has a large credit balance. What should I do?
You are entitled to request a refund of any credit balance at any time. Contact your supplier and ask for the credit to be refunded to your bank account. Suppliers must process reasonable refund requests promptly. You can also ask them to reduce your monthly direct debit to prevent the credit building up again. Under Ofgem rules, suppliers must automatically refund credit balances that have been held for more than a year in most circumstances.
How often can my supplier change my direct debit?
Suppliers can review and change your direct debit at any time, but they must give you reasonable notice before doing so -- typically at least ten working days. They are required to carry out a formal review at least once a year. If your supplier changes your direct debit without notice or without a reasonable explanation, you can raise a formal complaint.
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.