[mburk86]

So Eon emailed me to say that with the increase in prices that they were going to increase my direct debit to compensate for the increase. I spoke to them on the phone to say this was not required as we were massively in credit on our balance plus the goverment support scheme was going to kick in so there was no need to increase the DD and that we could use the surplus in our account.

They ignored this and raised the direct debit anyway.

Having just completed our first month on the new prices and what a shock... the new increased DD more than covers our usage even before the Government support scheme kicks in. So now even more in credit. When I log in to change my direct debit amount to reduce it so we can use this for other bills we need to pay, the system says based on my usage we recommend you increase your DD even further by an additional £70??

How on earth can it justify that and why is Eon holding money in my account that obviously doesn't need to be there?

[retrotecchie]

@mburk86

I suggest changing from regular Fixed Direct Debit to Direct Debit in full on receipt of bill. That way, they'll reduce your credit first and then only take a DD payment when your balance is depleted. That's how I play it. They wanted to change my DD from £42.50 a month with my account over £500 in credit to over £200 a month. My typical monthly bill, after October's price rises is about £80.

You can always change it back later if it works better down the line.

Might need a phone call to do it, rather than online.

[Andy65]

Hi @mburk86

The best way to resolve this is to work out your consumption in kWh over the last 12 months, multiply it by your current tariff price and add the Standing Charge. Then deduct your credit balance from this total and divide by 12. This will give you a reasonably accurate idea of what your monthly payment should be.
Then discuss these numbers with Customer Services, they cannot argue with facts.

[mburk86]

@retrotecchie & @Andy65

Thank you both for the advice!

I have emailed them and also waiting for a response from their whatsapp chat to try and see what can be done. Definitely think changing to an actual usage direct debit is the way to go, for the time being at least.

[retrotecchie]

@mburk86

It works for me at any rate. I also send interim readings to generate weekly usage updates on my account so I don't get any really nasty surprises and have an idea of what to expect at the end of the month. It doesn't work for everyone, but it works for me as I don't have a monthly salary. It means I have the pennies in the right place come DD time.

[Mailman]

Originally Posted by mburk86

I have emailed them and also waiting for a response from their whatsapp chat to try and see what can be done. Definitely think changing to an actual usage direct debit is the way to go, for the time being at least.

Variable Direct Debit (effectively payment on receipt of balance) is certainly something that to think about.