**Millions of Households Urged to Check if They Are Owed Energy Refunds**
Millions of UK households may be unknowingly sitting on hundreds of pounds in surplus energy credit, with experts now advising customers to act swiftly to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. As families begin to feel the ongoing pinch of high living costs, reclaiming unused funds from energy accounts could provide much-needed relief for many struggling to manage their monthly outgoings.
Recent research conducted by price comparison experts Uswitch has revealed that approximately £3 billion in credit remains unclaimed on energy accounts across the country. On average, each household is believed to be holding on to nearly £200 in their energy account – a significant sum, especially at a time when household budgets are under strain.
Much of this accumulated credit occurs over the spring and summer months, when heating and energy usage drop but monthly direct debit payments remain the same. This system, used by most suppliers to spread payments evenly throughout the year, frequently leads to households effectively ‘prepaying’ for energy they have not yet used. Energy customers are being urged to review their accounts now that the colder months are behind us.
Gordon Wallis, a renewable energy specialist at Your NRG, has highlighted the importance of reviewing energy balances regularly. He commented, “Many customers don’t realise they’re effectively lending money to their energy supplier. If you’ve built up a significant credit balance and your usage has dropped, now is a good time to take back control of your payments.”
Strikingly, the Uswitch data indicates that as many as 15 million households may currently be in credit, with some customers finding themselves more than £300 or even £500 ahead. Despite the substantial sums involved, only 31% of those surveyed said they intended to ask for a refund. With energy bills remaining stubbornly high for many, experts believe not enough is being done by consumers to reduce their direct debit payments or reclaim unused funds.
Mr Wallis explained further: “If you’ve been in credit for more than a month and your meter readings are up to date, you are well within your rights to request a refund. This is your money and, with energy prices remaining elevated, it’s worth checking whether your direct debit is set too high.” In regions such as Edinburgh, the average credit has reached as much as £224 per household, while in Belfast customers generally held less, at around £127.
Customers on fixed direct debit plans are particularly likely to accumulate unused credit, as demonstrated by the finding that 63% of these households were in credit compared to 51% of those on standard variable tariffs. Experts agree that while fixed monthly payments can make it easier to budget, they must be reviewed regularly to ensure customers are not inadvertently overpaying for their energy.
Consumer advice groups and industry specialists recommend that households regularly submit up-to-date meter readings to avoid estimated bills, which can artificially inflate charges. If consumers face resistance from their energy suppliers when requesting a refund, Ofgem – the industry regulator – mandates that suppliers must provide clear explanations and could be subject to penalties if they fail to comply.
Wallis concluded, “Simple steps like checking your credit balance, updating your meter readings, and adjusting your monthly payment to reflect actual usage can help keep your bills fair and manageable. And if your supplier isn’t playing ball, don’t be afraid to challenge it. The system should work for you – not the other way around.”
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, energy customers are being reminded that any unused funds on their account rightfully belong to them, and could make a real difference in the months ahead. Experts recommend making these account checks a regular habit, particularly as the seasons change and household energy usage fluctuates.
For those uncertain about how to check their credit or request a refund, most energy suppliers now offer straightforward online account management and customer helplines. With billions sitting unclaimed, now is the ideal moment for households to take the step and potentially reclaim several hundred pounds from their energy provider.