Energy direct debit or pay for what I use

ljohns

Hi, 
I've got a very basic knowledge of the energy market. I currently spend £200 a month by dd which I'm expecting to go up to £300 in Oct. Generally my payments build up a credit in my energy account which I claim back roughly once a year. With the market being the way it is would those with more knowledge advise I continue with this or switch to asking for a monthly bill and paying for only what I use? 

pochase

If your supplier supports it (most do) go for a variable direct debit order.

You give a monthly meter reading, get a bill for what you used, and they will direct debit you with the billed amount. As it is also a direct debit you don't lose the direct debit discount, which you would lose if you pay by bill.

Problem for both is that there will be very high bills in winter, so you need to budget.

greyteam1959

British Gas don't do variable full bill monthly DD.

MWT

greyteam1959 said:

British Gas don't do variable full bill monthly DD.

Sure looks like they do...

https://www.britishgas.co.uk/help-and-support/bills-and-payments/setting-up-a-direct-debit

Have you tried to set one up and been refused?

KxMx

I'm a British Gas customer since June and they only offered me quarterly bills or fixed DD. No variable DD. 

pochase

@MWT links to their web site and there is clearly states they have variable direct debit, but I have seen posts from people who were told they won't let them do variable direct debit, and those who could get onto it, interestingly at about the same time.

In one post there was a screenshot of a support agent saying there is no variable direct debit on there new system. Have all BG customers already been migrated to the new system?

Is there maybe really a difference between two systems, one allowing variable direct debit the other one not?

Other than BG I am only aware of OVO not having variable DD, anybody know another supplier?

MWT

pochase said:

Other than BG I am only aware of OVO not having variable DD, anybody know another supplier?

Pretty sure OFTM don't do them either...

jj_43

I prefer paying variable monthly direct debit. It helps you understand the variability in energy costs.

dunstonh

Generally my payments build up a credit in my energy account which I claim back roughly once a year. 

The aim is to have a monthly amount that builds up credit in the summer but then goes down to around zero around April before it starts to build up credit again.    Not to build up credit and then draw it out.

KxMx

@pochase As far as I know I am on the old billing system.
There was another thread here by someone who was moved onto the new system, which did not appear to sound like what I see when I log on.