You're mostly likely paying for your energy by direct debit for a set amount. Your energy supplier will review your direct debit every 6 months or so to make sure it covers your actual energy use. This may result in a decrease or increase in your direct debit amount.
This article covers the following scenarios:
- Rate increase of your Variable tariff
- Increase in your energy usage
- Your supplier is using estimated meter readings
- You have a seasonal direct debit
- None of the reasons below apply to you - how to get this fixed?
Rate increase of your Variable tariff
If the tariff costs on your variable deal goes up, your energy supplier will adjust your payments to reflect this. They will always send you an email with all the details at least 4 weeks before the change.
If you'd like more clarification on how your direct debit has changed in line with your new rates, the best thing to do would be to contact your supplier by sending them an email through your Switchd dashboard or giving them a call. They'll be able to provide a full breakdown of the costs or discuss any help that might be available to you.
Increase in your energy usage
Your initial direct debit is based on how much energy it is estimated you will use over the next 12 month. Even on a fixed deal, if the supplier notices that your energy usage is more than originally estimated (because you have been sending regularly meter readings, allowing them to know your actual use) they may adjust the direct debit amount to cover your actual usage.
There are lots of reasons your energy consumption might have increased. For example, are you spending more time at home? Are there more people living in your property? Have you got new appliances, such as a fridge or TV?
Your supplier is using estimated meter readings
Suppliers regularly recalculate how much energy they estimate you will use in a 12 months. They will do this using your meter readings. If you do not provide meter readings your energy supplier will have no choice but to base your estimated annual usage on estimates. This may result in them overestimating your usage and having to increase your direct debit.
This is why it is important to send regular meter readings. You can do so easily through your Switchd dashboard!
You have a seasonal direct debit
Some deals have a payment plan where you pay a different amount during summer months and winter months. For example, you will pay £100 for the first 6 months of the contract and then your direct debit will automatically change to £50 for the last 6 months.
We only switch our members to this type of deal if the yearly spend is the cheapest on the market, so you'll definitely get plenty of savings.
We understand that this type of payment may not be the best for everyone, even if it is the cheapest deal. That's why you can update your Switchd Settings to exclude deals with this type of payment plans!
None of the reasons below apply to you - how to get this fixed?
If you still believe that your supplier is charging you too much for your energy, the best thing to do is:
- Send up to date meter readings
- Get in touch with your supplier and ask them to review your payments based on the readings
If you think you are being billed incorrectly: click here
Related articles:
How to keep on top of your energy account
How do I submit my meter readings?
