Energy bills are rising for everybody and even with the UK Government’s £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme and £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee in place until the end of March, millions of households are set to feel the financial squeeze tighten even further over the upcoming festive season.
Household budgets are being pushed to the limit and even though Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced in the Autumn Statement earlier this month that the Energy Price Guarantee will be increased to £3,000 from April and be in place for 12 months, households may still face higher energy bills over the colder months - despite nationwide efforts to reduce usage.
Brean Horne, personal finance expert at comparison website NerdWallet, shares her key tips on how to challenge your requested Direct Debit payment, especially if you have made radical reductions to your energy consumption, but the estimated bill is still high.
Brean explains: “If your Direct Debit payment for energy increases and you suspect you’re being overcharged, it’s important to get in touch with your supplier as soon as possible and request that your supplier justify how they calculated the rise in your energy bill.
“Energy companies must explain in clear terms how they estimated your new energy bill and show evidence of the meter readings they used.
“You can challenge this calculation if you disagree and request that they lower your Direct Debit to accurately reflect your energy usage.”
While that all seems quite straightforward, the personal finance expert warns that it might need to be escalated if your provider is unhelpful.
Brean said: “If your supplier won’t reduce your energy payments, you can make a formal complaint to them directly via email, letter or telephone, but be sure to keep accurate records of the people you speak with and any correspondence you have with them.”
She also suggests contacting Citizens Advice, who can help you understand the complaints process. They also have free resources which may help. Apps such as Resolver can also help you manage your complaint and track its progress.
Brean added: “Your energy company should respond to your complaint within eight weeks to explain what action they will take with your complaint, if your energy supplier doesn't respond within eight weeks or you are unsatisfied with their response, you can escalate your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman.
“The Energy Ombudsman is an independent body that will review your complaint and the supplier's argument to make a final decision.”
Find out more about the Energy Ombudsman online here.
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