Direct Debit. Why has my Direct Debit changed?
Your Direct Debits will be changed if the monthly payments you've made don't meet the cost of the energy you've used.
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Reasons your Direct Debit might change
Reasons your Direct Debit might change
When you join us or change your tariff, we calculate your Direct Debit and divide the payments equally over 12 months. Your electricity and gas bills won't always match your Direct Debit payments.
You can make one-off payments to make sure there isn't a significant difference between what you pay and what you may owe, or you can adjust your Direct Debits manually throughout the year to account for the higher energy months. If you don't adjust it yourself, then our system will review your account and adjust it accordingly so you don’t end up paying too much, or too little.
We've listed the main reasons your Direct Direct amount may change below.
Seasonal energy use
Energy use tends to change with the seasons. For example, during winter, you may use more heating, which increases your gas consumption. In summer, you might use less heating but more electricity for cooling or other appliances.
Actual energy usage
Your initial Direct Debit amount was based on estimated annual energy consumption. However, as the year goes on, we receive actual meter readings from you or your smart meter. If your actual usage is significantly different from the estimates, we may adjust your Direct Debit amount accordingly.
Tariff changes
When you change tariffs or you are on a variable tariff, that changes every 3 months in line with the price cap, the price you pay per unit will change. Your Direct Debit amount is likely to be changed to reflect the new rates.
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.