Big hikes in direct debit payments - EON

DirectDebacle

Many of the DD problems reported on this and other threads have been caused either wholly or in part by Eons zero spring balance policy. Spring they define as the three months April-June. As you joined in June (first DD £71.00 taken July) then you are already 'spring aligned'. It would seem that their policy has not caused the DD increase but is caused by something else.

Do you know your annual energy consumption in kWh? Was your tariff subject to the price increase which took effect after you joined and if so have you factored that in?

Currently your DD is set for a zero balance, after 12 payments, in June at an annual cost of £852. Do your own calculations to check that this is correct.

jalexa

DoYouThinkImStupid wrote: »

All I can see is evidence to support my thinking, in that based on the last 6 months I have practically covered what I've used. I know that usage is more in the winter months when compared to the summer months, but the figures certainly don't warrant a £400 increase over the next 3 months.

On reflection I think that is probably right. Direct Debacle is also "right" that (according to the unofficial E.ON "twitter table") for a June start your "annual review" month should be June. Before you go further I suggest you "set a trap" for whatever hapless E.ON adviser takes your call. Ask one question and one question only "what is the date of your next "annual review?". OK, probably you should also ask what are the assumed annual consumptions.

Post the answers and further calculations can be done.

And what is the answer to why £71/month?

Consumerist

Just a quick heads-up about Ofgem's factsheet on energy direct debits which can be found <here (pdf)>.

It looks as though Ofgem. in their infinite wisdom (not), has accepted the concept of the zero Spring balance from E.on.

A great pity, in my view, but that doesn't mean you can't complain if you don't accept their figures.

scaz40

Hi all

Think I might have a record here. Just received my love letter from Eon stating that they increased my direct debit from £145 / month to £387 / month. :mad:

This is a £242 or 167% increase. I am in the process of reading through the 9 pages of posts in this subject but if anyone could provide me with some advice I would be grateful.

Obviously I cannot afford this amount of money for gas and electric. I have spoken to EON and they have said that the lowest figure they can offer is £226 / month which is still a 56% increase!. This, I still cannot afford. I live in a 3 bed semi-detached property. New combi boiler installed 18 months ago. Well insulated etc..

NeverInDebt

scaz40 You must be using a hell of a lot of energy even @ £145 a month is a lot assuming you haven't previously been in debt to them much.

I certainly be monitoring my usage if I was you maybe take weekly readings.

Consumerist

You need to look at recent statements and read your meters to see whether the increase is justifiable. If it doesn't seem justifiable, you should ask them how they have arrived at their DD amount. If you're still not satisfied you should follow their complaints procedure before referring the matter to the Ombudsman Services: Energy.