Npower direct debit - massive increase

AliceBanned

I recently received a statement from Npower re my gas direct debit (Sign online 17 gas monthly direct debit). it has gone up from £35 per month to £58 per month. I phoned them and was told I have to phone back on 27th October as they can't discuss it until the next payment has gone through. I'm very worried about it and have turned all the radiators down. I will be away for the whole of December, and my account is £13 in credit. i think I am due a payment of £100 in April (if I stay that long; it was a one year deal where i get £100 at the end). I did tell them on the phone that I can't make the payments of £58. I would struggle a bit but even if I overpay by paying that amount, then get refunded after next summer, that's so unfair and I need to not be overpaying. Do you think i should call them again today and demand to get something better agreed, otherwise I'll switch? :mad:

Swipe

If you are only £13 in credit at the start of winter your monthly DDs must have been way too low. £58 per month doesn't sound unreasonable to me considering.

MCGONIS

Hello. I have had a similar experience to you with my supplier. I would say to NP that you will meet in the middle somewhere and suggest your payment move to say £43. Their computer system does not pick up on the fact that £100 will be credited during the next 6 months.

As you are in credit at the minute you have more clout with them. I am sure you will be fine as they recognise you could move supply as a result of their assesment of your account. Try and hold off for the £100 incentive though.

Just one last thing - you mentioned a gas account - the £100 is if you have both gas and electricity with them. Can you let me know how you get on?

AliceBanned

MCGONIS wrote: »

Hello. I have had a similar experience to you with my supplier. I would say to NP that you will meet in the middle somewhere and suggest your payment move to say £43. Their computer system does not pick up on the fact that £100 will be credited during the next 6 months.

As you are in credit at the minute you have more clout with them. I am sure you will be fine as they recognise you could move supply as a result of their assesment of your account. Try and hold off for the £100 incentive though.

Just one last thing - you mentioned a gas account - the £100 is if you have both gas and electricity with them. Can you let me know how you get on?

Hi thanks for replying. yes I switched to gas and elec wtih them but was already on elec with them before. Because of this I didn't get £120 cashback from Quidco for a dual fuel switch, which would have made the swap worth my while. There are so many conditions with all these cashbacks etc it can be hard to work out what is a good deal. Anyway Quidco were adamant that I made the mistake as I was already with npower for elec, so it wouldn't qualify for a dual fuel switch. yes I'll speak to them on 27th. i think £58 is excessive for one person in a one bed well insulated flat. Also a few months ago a leak was discovered (only small but constant) on my hot water pipe. i didn't try to reclaim from the landlord but now i'm wondering whether this has cost me a lot on the use of gas. It is a combi boiler. Thanks.

AliceBanned

Swipe wrote: »

If you are only £13 in credit at the start of winter your monthly DDs must have been way too low. £58 per month doesn't sound unreasonable to me considering.

It is unreasonable if I am away for the whole of December, as I have told them. Also it would definitely put me in credit, which isn't the aim of direct debit. I think they're just trying to rake in more than I've used and get advanced payment, which isn't fair.

Swipe

AliceBanned wrote: »

It is unreasonable if I am away for the whole of December, as I have told them. Also it would definitely put me in credit, which isn't the aim of direct debit. I think they're just trying to rake in more than I've used and get advanced payment, which isn't fair.

But what about Nov, Jan, Feb and March? I know my bills for those months are double those of the summer and early autumn months. At this point in the year you should really be at least £80 in credit.

AliceBanned

Fine but nearly doubling my direct debit can't be necessary, it is definitely going to mean that I overpay.

AliceBanned

PS why do I have to be in credit anyway? people who pay quarterly are massively in debit. At least I'm in credit during the summer, what more do they want from me? It's ludicrous!

Swipe

AliceBanned wrote: »

Fine but nearly doubling my direct debit can't be necessary, it is definitely going to mean that I overpay.

They do normally review it every 6 months. Have you calculated you annual usage and worked out what it costs averaged over 12 months? That is what you should be paying ideally. It might be worth doing that before you speak to them, especially if it works out less than £58. then at least you have something to argue your case with alongsie your £100 that's due.

Swipe

AliceBanned wrote: »

PS why do I have to be in credit anyway? people who pay quarterly are massively in debit. At least I'm in credit during the summer, what more do they want from me? It's ludicrous!

That's how fixed rate monthly DD works. You pay for more than you use in summer and less in winter so approaching winter you should be in credit to carry you through.

AliceBanned

:beer:

Swipe wrote: »

They do normally review it every 6 months. Have you calculated you annual usage and worked out what it costs averaged over 12 months? That is what you should be paying ideally. It might be worth doing that before you speak to them, especially if it works out less than £58. then at least you have something to argue your case with alongsie your £100 that's due.

Thanks. They've given me an estimate for the next six months, of £240, then stated "less £35 due on 26.20.10 and the balance is then £287. Can't see why they've ADDED the £35 when I will have paid it! I'm not sure they know what they are doing.