Estimated gas reading on bill was high - does it matter?

What_time_is_it

On my recent bill my estimated gas readings were considerably higher than I was expecting. The estimate covers the period from the 1st April this year up to now, as I gave them accurate readings on 31st March. In a nutshell, we haven't really had the heating on at all since early April, but the estimated reading has assumed similar usage to Jan-March! 
Does this matter? I figured I'd just wait until the end of the summer and give them accurate readings on 30th September and it will all work out fine. Is that sensible?
I'm happy with our monthly direct debit payment amount but the bill shows up a debt to the energy company that, in reality, doesn't really exist.
Am i fine to just wait until September and get it corrected on my next bill? Is there a downside to this approach?

Sea_Shell

Why not give them actual readings now?

And then monthly thereafter.

What_time_is_it

Yeah, I could do. But I figured that since my monthly DD is still low it wouldn't really make any difference to just give them the readings at the end of this current SVR rate on Sept 30th and get it all in line on my next bill, rather than go through the hassle of getting a bill regenerated now.
Is there a downside to my approach?

Sea_Shell

It'll all come out in the wash as it were, so you won't be worse off if you give a reading just before any tariff change.

But it could make billing messy, if they bill on estimates and then have to recredit and redebit your bill.   Would you not normally get a bill between now and October?

I like to have things squared away.😇

Alnat1

I like to give a monthly read too. I'd guess they are unlikely to reduce your DD if you do it as most companies are happy for some credit to build up over summer, ready for the big winter bills

What_time_is_it

My bills come once every six months. I've just had one, so the next one won't be until the end of November. 
I think I'll give them the readings at the end of September and they can adjust it on the bill then. However I might also give them more regular readings after that just in case they pull a stunt like this again!

Carrera74

I give EDF monthly readings but only get a bill twice a year and have had to request to change my direct debit amount as they don't change it until my annual review.  Didn't want to be underpaying so changed it.  I like to give regular readings so have an audit of how much I'm actually using especially if on variable so you know if a good fix deal comes along whether it is actually a good deal or not.  How will you know if any deal they offer you is a good one if they are going off an estimate?