MSE News: Energy firms forced into fairer direct debits

The emphasis seems to be on customers having their DD set too high. However if the posts on MSE are representative, the bigger problem is DD's set too low and large debit balances building up; a problem compounded by consecutive estimated meter readings.

If there was one lesson that should be hammered home, it should be that customers must check their meter readings against those on the bill.

The restrictions on the 'door stop' salesmen is most welcome. Hopefully this will also curb the activities of a Utility company with some 30,000 'Independent Distributors' whose salesmen are encouraged to sell very expensive gas and electricity to family and friends!! - or customers refer friends/family to gain a reward.

my dd was £67 and I built up an excess of £187 since early summer, SP wrote to say that they were putting my dd down to £35 pm. I rang them and asked for it to stay at £67. £35 is a ridiculous amount, particularly since I input my readings every two weeks so I know exactly what I am using. The last fortnight alone I have used £54 worth but that is ok as I have the safety net. It is wonderful to know that I can have the heating on all day if needed because I have budgeted for it

Super_Stomper wrote: »

I totally agree. With zero interest rates on bank accounts I have no problem with paying higher DDs as it encourges me to save - I bought a digital camera with my refund from British Gas! Now I'm with npower their charges are at least £15 per month lower than I was using before the big freeze and they only isssue bills every 6 months so I've no idea how much I will owe when the bill finally comes. I'll have to tale out a mortgage to pay it. Paying more than I need rather than less is a much better option.

if you use www.imeasure.org.uk you can keep a close eye on it and not get any nasty surprises