Is Bulb breaching basic T&Cs of direct debit?

Gerri5

My Direct Debit with Bulb Energy is normally taken on the 7th of the month. Yesterday (31 Oct) I received an email from them saying they had tried (& failed) to take the monthly payment. When I asked why they said as I was on a 'variable' DD this meant they could change the date (basically take money whenever they feel like it!!). This feels like a breach of basic T&Cs for a DD. Oh and the kicker? A £15 penalty if their next attempt in 5 days is unsuccessful!

MWT

They can change the date and the amount of the DD, but they do have to tell you first.

I would suggest that you ask them when they informed you of this planned change as that is generally required to be done 10 days before the new payment date, unless otherwise agreed with the customer.

Mobtr

Are you on a fixed direct debit where you pay the same every month or a variable one where they send you a bill each month & then take the full balance 2 weeks later? If you’re on a fixed, the date should be the same every month, if you are variable, the date the payment is taken depends on when you were billed so can change each month