Direct Debit Increases

DogEatDog_2

Hi all

Just been shocked by the increases Southern Electric wanted to make to my direct debit payments so thought I check them out.

They wanted to up the Elec from £25 to £53 and gas from £30 to £33. I have calculated that they should actually be £37 and £24 respectively, in all they are attempting to ask for £25 per month more than the real charges should be.

Reasons for the differences:Gas and Elec unit rates are coming down from next month - they used the current rate in their calculation - also their estimate of the units to be used is excessive. Make sure you check the rates they want to charge you and also remind them your actual units used in the last year - it'll be similar in the coming year to last year.

Don't be fooled into giving them more money than should - you are not a bank. Check your bills and do the calculation, don't be scared by a bit of maths it'll be worth the effort to have the money in you account and not theirs!!

Magentasue

DogEatDog wrote: »

remind them your actual units used in the last year - it'll be similar in the coming year to last year.

Don't be fooled into giving them more money than should - you are not a bank. Check your bills and do the calculation, don't be scared by a bit of maths it'll be worth the effort to have the money in you account and not theirs!!

Yes, I agree with this. However, bear in mind that calculations may show that you are underpaying and need to pay more if you have had a series of estimated readings. You can't really argue your case effectively unless you have accurate annual usage figures.

Geoffo_M

You are quite correct. A friend has her energy from EDF, and they informed her they were taking the current outstanding balance by d/d AND increasing her monthly d/d from £45 to £70. We worked out that her annual usage at current prices calculated at £49/month. I phoned EDF, agreed to them taking the outstanding balance, but said we calculated monthly as £49, not £70. Immediately, she said they worked it out to be £55. I said why then are you asking for £70, and they said they like to be on the safe side. I was fuming, insisted on £49 and she easily agreed. They're trying it on half the time, so don't agree without a haggle - and do your calculations first and sound as if you know what you're talking about.