Help - I don't understand what my statement means!

SarahLou

I may be a true blonde here but the hubby (brunette ) isn't sure either...

We pay by monthly direct debit for our gas and electricity through NPower. Due to a mix-up last year whereby I had to "re-join" NPower, it worked in our favour in the end as because we were "new customers" again (long story) they were going to offer us £100 a year discount to stay with them.

So we've been paying £105 a month and this month my online statement says I'm "£165.14 credit" just underneath it says "Including your £100 DD discount". (This is the first mention of this £100 discount since I had it offered to me on the phone last year). Anyway, slightly further down the page it says:
"Happy Anniversary! blah blah blah..... Thats why when you look at your statement you'll see see that the direct debit reward has applied to your account on your anniversary!"

Now can someone explain what that means? Like in basic terms. Please! They've taken the normal £105 amount out of my bank account as normal for this calendar month so at what point does one benefit from this £100 discount and what does £165.14 credit actually mean in real terms?

Our previous bill (in November), looking back online was £207.35 credit.

Again, I think I'm struggling with what the credit bit means and how this £100 has benefited us? Sorry for sounding dumb but thought I'd ask on here and see what people thought

t0rt0ise

You get the £100 discount when you've been with them a year so that sounds right. So they added it to your account and it now means that you are in credit by £165.14. I'm not sure I know what's not to understand. Presumably when they recalculate your DDs at some stage, they will take into account how much credit is on your account and you will pay less each month. Or when you leave them to go to another supplier, they will give you any credit back.

nPower

Hi SarahLou

Don't worry - you're absolutely spot on in asking for advice if you're not sure of anything. That's why we're here - and our fellow forum friends! :-)

The £100 yearly discount is added to your first annual statement after 12 consecutive direct debit payments have been paid. The discount will continue to be paid every year, as long as you continue to pay by monthly direct debit

Please feel free to click on this link http://www.npower.com/web/understandingdd/index.htm to give you a full run down of how direct debits work - and the annual discount.

I hope this helps? If not, give us a quick call on 0800 551 555 and we can talk through your account with you.
Best Wishes
Sally

SarahLou

Thanks for explaining that one to me - much appreciated (both of you!) I know, I was seriously having a blonde moment!