Direct Debit refund after switching?

earlgrey_3

I've just switched from British Gas and EDF to Eon. Eon expected the switch to be on 4 April and will take first DD on 2 May.

Although I was already well in credit with the old providers I see they both put through the usual monthly DDs a couple of weeks ago. Does anyone know when I can expect them to finalise the accounts and make the necessary refunds? Thanks.

SwanJon

If you haven't cancelled the DD, they'll refund it straight back into your account 2 weeks after they close the account.
This can take a few weeks after the actual date as they need to get information back from your new supplier.
If you have cancelled the DD they'll send a cheque which can take longer.

The monthly payments would continue until the closing date as they don't know the size of the final bill.
Did you take a reading on the 4th? If not, take one now so you can compare the read used to open & close your old/new accounts.

earlgrey_3

Thanks Swanjon.

I got the notice from E.on on 5/4 giving the expected switch date to be 4/4 and asking me to take readings, so yes near enough. I emailed and posted their forms back. Do both sides just rely on those reading or will the old suppliers do their own?

DDs are still in place.

SwanJon

Both suppliers use the same reading - otherwise you might end up getting charged for the same energy twice.
If you still have the reading yourself, keep hold of it. If not E-on will have it.
The switchng process involves a few companies are involved behind the scenes.
The reading is first estimated by your old supplier (BG) who pass it to your new supplier(E-on). E-on can then say they agree or disagree with the reading (and as they have yours, they can be quite accurate). They advise BG of their descision and both suppliers use the same reading. However, this can take a couple of weeks to sort out.
BG will send you a final bill/statement when they close the account and that will mean the credit is on its way back.

earlgrey_3

Ah, that sounds straightforward. I had visions of men in peaked caps from each company arriving together and synchronising their watches.