nPower charging us £54 per month DD

spaceboy

The last 6 months worked out at £350 all in, and that's with using the storage heater a lot, surely the DD should be less than £54 for the summer months? We're moving out in September!

ceh209

If it does, then the account will be in credit at that time (assuming you don't currently owe them money) and you'll get a refund when you move out and close the account. They're unlikely to reduce it right now though as the idea is it evens out over the year...

Cardew

As said above, the idea is that you should be in credit by Sept so you start the winter with something 'in the bank'.

kjsmith7

£54 x 12 mo = £648. If the last six months have been £350, then you'll be paying in just under another £300. If you were staying in the property, this would probably be perfect as it would leave you in a little bit of credit for the next Winter. the direct debit system doesn't work on a "well I'm moving" basis. If you're unhappy, cancel your direct debit and pay quarterly. Or, set up a standing order via your bank and just settle the difference quarterly. You'll sacrifice some direct debit discount, but you may get some prompt payment discount in it's place, dependent on supplier and tariff. Might be worth it if you find £54 so annoying.

nPower

Hi spaceboy,

When we first set up your direct debit amount, we'll base it on 12 months' worth of energy use. You may use less energy in the summer and be in credit, but this credit will be used in the winter, when you use more.

After 12 months, if you're in credit by over £60, we'll refund this back to you and alter your payment amounts if needed.

You can see some videos on how we work out your direct debit amounts on http://www.npower.com/dde/

Hope this helps

Best Wishes
Sally at npower

JasX

npower pulled this one me, looking at their numbers they were pulling their old "we're going to assume you'll double your historic annual useage for then next full year for no particular reason and bill you accordingly" scam.

phoned them up and argued over historic kWH numbers and was able to bring them down to something sensible.

Seems to be a standard scam they pull but in any case you would have got the money back 'eventually' after providing them a nice interest free loan for the year

kjsmith7

Not necessarily the case for the OP, JasX, as the OP is unhappy at the DD amount because they're moving out in September, so won't need to build up a credit at this property for Winter.

Being in credit is something that is required in a direct debit to a certain extent: there are alternative payment methods available at all suppliers if you don't like it, although you will sacrifice direct debit discount. You can always keep the money in your own account, budget accordingly, and gain a pittence in interest.