Payments by Direct Debit

Buster1874

Is there a maximum percentage by which a power company can increase a direct debit? We had been paying a monthly amount based on the company's estimated useage since we moved in 4 years ago. I can't remember the last time that we gave them a meter reading but they have just been asking for another one, but before I've had chance to sort it, they have sent us a letter indicating that we are going to get an over 6-fold increase in monthly payment! Can they increase our direct dbit by such an amount? Thanks

Quenastoise

4 years of estimated readings is way too much. Take a reading at today's date, and use that as a basis for the monthly charge (bearing in mind that consumption shoots up in winter). Then go back to the utility company with a proposed amount. Insist that that they issue you with invoices on an regular basis. Get into the habit of taking readings, especially whenever you receive an invoice. If you are issued with quarterly invoices, you might like to keep a spreadsheet with monthly readings.

You may also find a smartmeter useful for giving you an idea of your daily consumption in kW or in £