EDT increases DD by 25%,despite being in credit at the end of winter!

Peter9373

Just heard from EDF that despite being in credit at the beginning of March, they want to increase my DD by 25% from April, when prices will drop by about 11%! The bungalow is all electric with solar PV, air to air heat pump and a PIV system, not to mention incredibly well insulated. When it gets really cold, resort to a dual fuel stove that heats up everywhere. Summer sees a huge credit build up that covers winter, as indeed it has done this year, with a small surplus. Have queried why the 25% increase and urge others to be wary of EDF wanting to increase summer DD's to keep the cash flowing into them; I rather look after it myself!

MultiFuelBurner

Peter9373 said:

Just heard from EDF that despite being in credit at the beginning of March, they want to increase my DD by 25% from April, when prices will drop by about 11%! The bungalow is all electric with solar PV, air to air heat pump and a PIV system, not to mention incredibly well insulated. When it gets really cold, resort to a dual fuel stove that heats up everywhere. Summer sees a huge credit build up that covers winter, as indeed it has done this year, with a small surplus. Have queried why the 25% increase and urge others to be wary of EDF wanting to increase summer DD's to keep the cash flowing into them; I rather look after it myself!

Have you checked your kWh usage and checked the bills are not estimated.

If sure of your position just query it and tell them why as you use xxx kWh per year and prices are dropping and you expect to use ££££'s this year.

dunstonh

Just heard from EDF that despite being in credit at the beginning of March, they want to increase my DD by 25% from April, when prices will drop by about 11%!

March and April are often amongst the coldest months. So, its a bit early to think you are out of the woods yet in respect of Summer credit being freed up.

Have queried why the 25% increase and urge others to be wary of EDF wanting to increase summer DD's to keep the cash flowing into them; I rather look after it myself!

You shouldnt need to query why if you know your energy use well.  you should be telling them.    You havent given us any meaningful data in your post though.  So, are we meant to just accept your word?   Were you this way with EDF or did you give them your explanation of your unit use and what you should pay?  

Switch to variable direct debit if you prefer that method. Don't moan about budget methods if you don't want that way.

EssexHebridean

Personally I think an enquiry first is a reasoned, sensible approach. Have the information backing up what you think it should be to hand certainly, but don’t go in all guns blazing and accusatory begin with - as Martin always stresses, politeness is always the right way to go, and remembering that the person on the end of the phone was not personally responsible for the increase as well! 

I suspect that it may well be what a lot of people are finding - that DDs got reduced last year to take account of the government payments through the winter, and the credit you have been using this winter is partly down to that credit still remaining in place on the account, in part (although this may not be the case with EDF as I vaguely recall that they may have been one of those who refunded to bank accounts, rather than leaving in the energy account?) and so now the DD is indeed looking a bit light to leave the account in the place that it should be by October this year.  

Make sure when calling you have your accurate actual use for the past 12 months, see how that compares with EDFs estimate of this on your bill (remember that this winter has been relatively mild so far though) and then you can have a proper, informed conversation with whoever you get on the phone.