I'm £220 in credit - how do I get this back ?

popsy20

Hi, just got a statement from EON today which says I'm £220 in credit but there's no mention of them giving me a refund. Can I demand that they send me a cheque or credit my bank account?

We are having a baby and this money is much needed

Thanks xx

Sagz_2

You can always ask them, and if they say no then switch (although Martin says not to at the mo) then they will have to give you any money that is owed to you after your final meter reads.

popsy20

:T I will try and phone them tomorrow just want to know where I stand really - it is my money after all

Ms_Chocaholic

When I was with Eon/Powergen I had no problems getting any credit back, if you pay via DD then they will just pay back how much you want into the account this comes out of.

As Norberts Mum said though, they will want an up to date meter reading before refunding you and ensure this is accurate to avoid any problems.

PS I don't think "demanding" it back will do you any good at all

judy2357

Personally I would leave some of it in there as your next bill will be a lot higher owing to the colder weather in the Winter months, together with any rises in the cost of the fuel and if your Direct Debit isnt quite enough for the Winter season this would subsidise it a bit. Whenever I have asked for a credit I have always found that when the next bill arrives I am in debit.

Cardew

You cannot 'demand' repayment of your credit balance as by signing a DD mandate you have agreed that Eon can take what they feel is necessary to cover your annual costs.

However provided that your are £220 in credit after the latest bill, I suspect that they will be happy to refund you quite a big chunk of that sum.

Bear in mind that Eon have just increased their prices and winter is approaching.

So call them and negotiate!

it is my money after all

So if you are in debit in the Spring, will you send them a cheque for the outstanding amount?

The whole idea of paying by DD is that you will be in credit for some of the year and in debit some of the year.

You don't have to pay by DD, you can always pay quarterly.

logie28

i had same problem with British gas, i was £80 in credit, they said they couldn't send it to me till November, as it was my money i demanded it now,

They sent a cheque out pretty quick, but also changed my DD details as well. i rang to complain, apparently they have to reset your account to send a cheque out,

A bit of hassle having to ring and put my DD up to a price i wanted to pay , but worth it as i got my money.

Make sure your direct debits stay the same and it doesnt affect any continuous loyalty payments. i was told i would loose my loyalty benefits.

After speaking to a "team leader" a note was placed on my account so i kept my benefits..

Funny how they grab and alter direct debits when you owe them.. and demand immediate payment. but when they owe you.. they can give it you in four months!!!!! when the computer generates it... allegedly!!

popsy20

Cheers everyone - good advice about leaving some in credit (never thought of the winter bills and price rises) in fact I've got my heating on now it's freezing up north today. :D:D:D

Magentasue

I've claimed money back when in credit but, as judy says, I'd be careful how much you ask for. The point of monthly payments is that you build up credit in the summer to cover the winter. If you start from zero at this time of year, you may find that you are asked (or told) to increase your monthly payments substantially when you build up debt. Best to work out your annual use, add on the appropriate % for price rises just announced and divide by 12. If you're sure you're covered, you can confidently claim it back.

Incisor

Cardew wrote: »

You cannot 'demand' repayment of your credit balance as by signing a DD mandate you have agreed that Eon can take what they feel is necessary to cover your annual costs.

If your account is in credit, whose money is it?

The person whose money it is can demand it back. Of course if it is a trivial credit in relation to the quarterly bill there may be some debate as to whether it is worth while.

Amazing how some folk are so deferent to 'authority'.

Cardew

Incisor wrote: »

If your account is in credit, whose money is it?

The person whose money it is can demand it back. Of course if it is a trivial credit in relation to the quarterly bill there may be some debate as to whether it is worth while.

Amazing how some folk are so deferent to 'authority'.

It is not a question of being deferent to authority.

You don't have to pay by DD. However if you do you agree to the terms and conditions of payment by DD.

These are that that they tell you at the beginning how much your monthly payment will be and must notify you of any change in that amount. If you don't agree with the initial amount or the changed amount then you can cancel your DD at any time.

However it is the supplying company that decide the amount of the payment. Obviously you can negotiate if you feel it is too high, but ultimately it is the company to decide.

The whole point of the DD system is to even out payments over a year and if it works as intended, all of us will have a large credit balance entering winter and emerge in spring with a debit balance.

So you have made an agreement to pay by DD with the company and it is at their discretion if they will give you a refund, and not your entitlement to 'demand a refund'

You can of course end your DD agreement at any time and 'demand' a refund of any credit balance.