Automatic Credit Refund on Utility Bills?

MiniMog

Hello all,

I know this is probably a really silly question but if I'm in credit with my gas and electricity suppliers (about £500 in credit!!) and I switch, will they automatically refund me the credit when I switch over to a new supplier?

Do I need to apply for it or contact them? I am with Ovo and NPower, moving to Scottish if that makes any difference.

Thanks for your help in advance!

Charlotte x

Cardew

Yes, you should be automatically refunded once your final bill has been produced and paid.

Is your £500 credit shown on a recent bill(s)?

Don't forget that a credit shown at any other time than on a bill can be misleading. This is because payments are credited to your account monthly, but you are only debited for gas/electricity quarterly.

e.g. If I look at my gas account on-line today it might show me as being, say, £400 in credit because my DD payments for Feb and March have been credited. However tomorrow I could get a bill for £450 and thus have a debit of £50.

Mozzanov

I have always been in credit with my bills by at least £100-200 (even after the winter periods) with each company I've been with. Once my final bill was settled, they always sent me a cheque via the post. I didn't need to request it. However, it never hurts to ask for written (even email) confirmation that this will be done.

MiniMog

Yes, it was on my online accounts/statements.

Thank you both for replying, I'm on my own and having to sort bills out myself now.. I wish they taught you these kinds of life skills at school! :A