British Gas - More than 3 times in credit in account but told I can't get a partial refund.

dunstonh

Saw Martin's recent article online explaining how we should ideally be about 2 times in credit in our gas & elec accounts if possible at this time of year. 

That seems very low.   Normal ballpark is to go into Autumn with 3-4 times your normal regular payment.

That assumes that your regular payment is an accurate figure based on your typical annual use.  If not, then any multiplier is completely pointless.        Also, it is only a ballpark.   It really depends on how much heating use is relative to whole bill.     But 2x doesnt seem enough seeing as you can use around 90% of your annual heating cost in 6 months

 My month DD is £214 and my account is currently £891 in credit.

So, about where it should be.

Tried to contact British gas to request a partial refund of £400 and was told they couldn't issue it because they might need it to cover higher usage over the "cold winter months".  They're a thoughtful lot aren't they?

Its not about being thoughtful. Its about being logical.

Should I approach the Ombudsman or go back to them a bit ranty at this stage?

That is extreme considering they are probably closer to the expected balance level than the 2x multiple.

By all means, force the issue with them if you must but take a look at your balance after your April statement.   That is the ideal point to be drawing any excess as its the from May onwards you are likely to breakeven or building credit for the following year.    if you had an excess then and didn't revise your monthly payment, then you should be safe to draw that amount.  

Drawing credit in December is unsafe unless you are really confident in your figures and not  basing it on estimates, guesses or 2022 figures.

Also, if you are on Kraken with BG billing (identifiable with an account number starting with a letter followed by dash), then you would be on monthly billing too and accurate with credits and usage.   So, much easier to work things out.  If you are on the old system, then I believe BG was similar to EDF in that they would show direct debit payments made but not deduct usage until a bill was generated.  This could lead to a mistaken belief on the level of credit.

dealyboy

An option might be to change your payment method to monthly variable direct debit rather than fixed, so that you pay according to your usage. You should get any credit back at the next bill.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/lower-energy-direct-debits/#variable

Jyana

ScunneredWithScottishGas said:

The last statement/bill I can see online is from July 2023. 

That probably means you are not that much in credit then. Your £214/month sounds about right as it's just over 4 months since your last bill and you have a credit of £891 in your account to put towards it. 

I find twitter the easiest way to get in contact with British Gas, you can try asking them for an up to date bill on there, and then see if you can get any credit back afterwards that way.