Direct Debit. Changes to your Direct Debit
Your Direct Debits will need to change in order to balance your account if the monthly payments you've made don't meet the cost of the energy you've used.
In this article
Why would I need to change my Direct Debit?
How do I change the amount I pay?
If you don't have an online account
Why your energy Direct Debit could change
There may be reasons why we'll need to adjust the amount you pay. These include:
Actual Energy usage
If you start using more or less energy than we predicted, your Direct Debit will be updated to reflect that. So, it's a good idea to send regular meter readings so we can make sure your bill is accurate. You can do this from your online account.
Price Changes
If your usage stays the same but the cost of energy changes, for example, the quarterly price cap, we’ll amend your Direct Debit amount.
Switching Tariff
If your fixed tariff ends or you start a new one, your annual cost could be higher or lower. And your Direct Debit amount is likely to be updated.
Changes to your payments
If you make additional payments, miss a payment, or change your Direct Debit amount, your balance may be different than what we expected. So we may adjust your Direct Debit to make sure your balance is as close to zero as possible.
That's why we regularly check your account to make sure your monthly payments match the amount of energy you're using. If they're not, we'll adjust it so you don't end up paying too much or too little. And we'll always let you know before we make any changes.
It's quick and easy to keep an eye on your Direct Debits through your online account. You can review your payments, check your bills, statements, and also change your tariff.
How do I change the amount I pay?
Log into your account and follow these steps:
- Go to 'Manage Direct Debit' in your account
- Choose 'Change amount'
- Put in the new amount you want to pay every month and click 'Next'
- Check all the details are correct and click 'Confirm payment amount'
- We will send you an email to confirm everything.
If you don't have an online account
Sign up for one. You'll need your Customer Reference Number handy. You can find it on any of your bills or statements.
I've got a fixed tariff, why has my Direct Debit changed?
With a fixed rate tariff, your energy unit rates won't change for the length of the tariff; but, your bills will be higher if you use more energy. When we review your payments, we consider your past energy usage and the end date of your tariff to determine a price that will cover the estimated costs.
We will contact you and let you know when your fixed rate tariff is due to end and what tariff options are available for you.
Why did my tariff change?
Online, you can change from one tariff to another whenever you choose. Additionally, if you don't change to a new tariff after your fixed-price tariff expires, we'll move you to our default standard tariffs. Your monthly payments are likely to change when your tariff rates change, but we'll let you know if it does.
Why did my tariff change but not my Direct Debit amount?
Direct Debit payments do not automatically change when your tariff rates change. When you switch tariffs at the end of your fixed contract or the energy price cap is revised and variable tariff rates change, you will need to adjust your monthly payments or we will contact you when your energy account is reviewed to let you know what you Direct Debit amount should be.