Bulb DD notice reducing from 10 to 5 working days

Getferret

Received email today, We'll give you at least 5 working days' notice of any changes to your Direct Debit
If you pay for your energy by Direct Debit and we need to change your payments to cover the cost of your energy, we'll give you at least 5 working days' notice. Previously, this was 10 working days' notice. 

This is so unfair, for those of us paid monthly and budget each month this could cause problems.

pochase

At the moment I only find the old Ofgem fact sheet from February 2019.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2019/03/direct_debit_factsheet_feb_2019.pdf

There it states it is 10 days notice. I am not aware this has changed.

Getferret

I thought it was 10 days, the direct debit website guarantee is 10 days too, I shall be going back to Bulb

MWT

The default is 10 days, but it is not a requirement, it can be changed.

[Deleted User]

MWT said:

The default is 10 days, but it is not a requirement, it can be changed.

I agree. Usually, there will also be a form of words telling the consumer what to do if they do not agree to the change. That said, I can see why the OP is annoyed: it is a case of the supplier putting its needs before those of its customers. They will no doubt argue that suppliers are under pressure to prevent consumers from getting into debt.

MWT

[Deleted User] said:

They will no doubt argue that suppliers are under pressure to prevent consumers from getting into debt.

I suppose this one can work in both directions as it would allow the supplier to react more quickly to reduce the DD when the expected £66 credits are applied...

Getferret

If I don't agree to the new T&Cs, I can start a switch away by 20 September 2022

MWT

Getferret said:

If I don't agree to the new T&Cs, I can start a switch away by 20 September 2022

That is the usual contractual remedy in this circumstance.

brewerdave

MWT said:

[Deleted User] said:

They will no doubt argue that suppliers are under pressure to prevent consumers from getting into debt.

I suppose this one can work in both directions as it would allow the supplier to react more quickly to reduce the DD when the expected £66 credits are applied...

Do you really believe that statement ????

MWT

brewerdave said:

MWT said:

[Deleted User] said:

They will no doubt argue that suppliers are under pressure to prevent consumers from getting into debt.

I suppose this one can work in both directions as it would allow the supplier to react more quickly to reduce the DD when the expected £66 credits are applied...

Do you really believe that statement ????

It is factually accurate, it does allow them to make a change in either direction with shorter notice.

wild666

MWT said:

[Deleted User] said:

They will no doubt argue that suppliers are under pressure to prevent consumers from getting into debt.

I suppose this one can work in both directions as it would allow the supplier to react more quickly to reduce the DD when the expected £66 credits are applied...

I don't think suppliers will take into account the £66 credits applied each month when working out a DD at least that's what I was told when I questioned them on the £400 credit and any credit the person has built up they simply use the readings they estimate the person will use and divide by 12. This means the customer has to physically ask for any credit to be refunded be it by doing it online or over the phone.