{"id":134691,"date":"2023-11-29T13:33:19","date_gmt":"2023-11-29T13:33:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bluemull.com\/?p=134691"},"modified":"2023-11-29T13:33:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T13:33:19","slug":"martin-lewis-shares-no-brainer-method-to-check-if-your-energy-direct-debit-is-too-high-as-brits-claim-back-1000s-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bluemull.com\/lifestyle\/martin-lewis-shares-no-brainer-method-to-check-if-your-energy-direct-debit-is-too-high-as-brits-claim-back-1000s-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Martin Lewis shares no-brainer method to check if your energy direct debit is too high as Brits claim back \u00a31,000s | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

MARTIN Lewis has shared a no-brainer method to check if you're energy direct debit is too high – and some could claim back \u00a31,000s.<\/p>\n

The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com discussed the issue of energy firms sitting on billions of pounds of customer cash.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Martin said: "Energy firms have over \u00a38billion of our direct debit cash – check and get excess credit back.<\/p>\n

"My rule of thumb is, right now, over two month's worth of direct debit in credit is too much at this point in the\u00a0payment cycle."<\/p>\n

For example, if your usual energy direct debit is set at \u00a3150 and you're more than \u00a3300 in credit, now is the time to request a refund.<\/p>\n

The MoneySavingExpert continued: "If that's you, first ensure you've done an up-to-date meter reading (unless you have a working smart meter), then use the MoneySavingExpert.com direct debit calculator\u00a0to check it's currently set right.<\/p>\n

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"If so, politely ask for any excess credit back.<\/p>\n

"Plus if your direct debit is set over 10% too high (factoring in the January price rise and wiggle room), ask them to lower it too.<\/p>\n

After previously following this advice, one MoneySavingExpert fan called Debbie said:\u00a0"Thanks so much for your direct debit calculator.<\/p>\n

"After giving EDF meter readings yesterday, it was confirmed this morning I'm\u00a0\u00a33,831.91 in credit!\u00a0Which is being repaid to me."<\/p>\n

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Martin also talked about this issue in last night's episode of ITV's Martin Lewis Money Show Live.<\/p>\n

He said: "If you've got three months, four months or five months, or much more in credit now you'll want some of it back.<\/p>\n

"You have a legal right to ask for it back."<\/p>\n

We've explained how to calculate, check and challenge your energy direct debit below.<\/p>\n

How do I calculate my bill?<\/h2>\n

To calculate how much you should be roughly paying, you will need to find out both your unit rate for gas and electricity and the standing charge for each fuel type.<\/p>\n

The unit rate will usually be shown on your bill in p\/kWh.<\/p>\n

The standing charge is a daily fee that is paid 365 days of the year – irrespective of whether or not you use any gas or electricity.<\/p>\n

You will then need to note down your own annual energy usage from a previous bill.<\/p>\n

Once you have these details you can work out your gas and electricity costs separately.<\/p>\n

Multiply your usage in kWh by the unit rate cost in p\/kWh for the corresponding fuel type – this will give you your usage costs.<\/p>\n

You'll then need to multiply each standing charge by 365 and add this figure to the totals for your usage – this will then give you your annual costs.<\/p>\n

Divide this figure by 12 and you'll be able to work out how much you should expect to pay each month.<\/p>\n

How do I challenge my energy bill?<\/h2>\n

If you pay your energy bill by direct debit, then it is assumed that this monthly amount should be "fair and reasonable".<\/p>\n

If you don't think it is, you should complain directly to your supplier in the first instance.<\/p>\n

If you're not happy with the outcome you can take it to the independent\u00a0Energy Ombudsman\u00a0to dispute, but there are a few steps before you get to that stage.<\/p>\n

Your supplier must clearly explain why it's chosen that amount for your direct debit.<\/p>\n

If you've got credit on your account, you have every right to get it back – although some experts recommend keeping it there through the summer, so your bills don't go up in the winter when you use more energy.<\/p>\n

Your supplier must refund you or explain exactly why not otherwise and the regulator, Ofgem, can fine suppliers if they don't.<\/p>\n

To ask for a refund call your supplier or contact them online.<\/p>\n

If you are disputing a bill, taking a meter reading is a must.<\/p>\n

If it's lower than your estimate, you can ask your provider to lower your monthly direct debit to a more suitable amount.<\/p>\n

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But beware so you don\u2019t end up in debt later on with a bigger catch-up bill at the end of the year from underpayments racking up.<\/p>\n

If you don't have success in negotiating a lower payment then you can put in a complaint to the\u00a0Energy Ombudsman.<\/p>\n

Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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