Bulb energy refund of credit

EddieMack307

Hi after bulb increased my monthly direct debit which I tried to reduce on their web page but they would only allow me to reduce it to £202 pm my bill in April 17th was £147.28 which made my account £54 in credit. I contacted them by phone to pay my full bill monthly by DD and stop the monthly Direct debit, they said this could be done and would use the credit towards next bill. on the 20tth April Bulb took out £223.81 which made my account  £278.23 in credit the bill on the 17th march was 147.28 and on the same day Build took out £202.00 which left my account £332.95 in credit. I emailed Bulb to inform them that I should be paying my Bill Monthy in full by Direct Debit as agreed with them and asked for a full refund of 332.95. After a few emails I have received a refund of £130.95 leaving a credit in my account of £202 when I emailed them back I have been told I have to have enough in my account to cover the next bill. I have smart meters and always send a meter reading on the 10th of each month. Is this a fair way to treat customers who have always had a account credit. Should I cancel my direct debit with bulb to stop them taking out a monthly amount?

Mrs_F_2017

I often look at my Bulb account and it makes it look like I have more credit than I do - I think it’s the way they allocate the incoming payments and then ‘debit’ what was owed on that months bill.

If I’m reading your post right - you are using £147 a month currently. But the direct debit it £202? And then making an extra payment has increased that further and you’ve essentially got a month ahead in payments? Is that right? 

MWT

EddieMack307 said:

I have been told I have to have enough in my account to cover the next bill. I have smart meters and always send a meter reading on the 10th of each month. Is this a fair way to treat customers who have always had a account credit. Should I cancel my direct debit with bulb to stop them taking out a monthly amount?

This is normal for Bulb and many other suppliers, you are expected to keep enough in your account to cover the next bill at all times.

I would not suggest it would be wise to cancel your DD.

Brie

Bulb used to say you needed to be 2 months in credit based on their estimate which didn't always have much relationship to reality. You could try to set up a standing order instead and then pay a bit extra when you actually do go into debit.

Alnat1

Are you sure you'll be able to pay winter bills that might be much bigger once you have the heating on? For many people, building up some credit over summer helps them budget for the colder months.

pochase

If you cancel your direct debit and set up standing order you will be charged higher unit rates. It is not advisable to do this.

I understand your post that you are trying to set up a variable direct debit but Bulb refuse to do so? Or do they just keep up a high direct debit amount even so you are on variable direct debit?

I am with EDF on the variable direct debit, and they have a very high direct debit amount listed for my amount, but they only will collect this one if I don't submit a meter reading for the month. I get an email around the 15th telling me they will debit me with the high amount, and this amount can also be seen in my account as outstanding debit, the moment I submit meter readings a new bill is calculated and the outstanding amount is changes to the billed amount. Could this also be the case for you?