Energy provider recommendations please - one where I can pay my bill each month for the amount I've actually used

[Lifeisshortandbittersweet]

Sadly my energy provider has gone bust - it's now being taken over by British Gas temporarily, but I do have the option to switch to another provider with no exit fee.

I've always submitted monthly meter readings, and then paid for the fuel I've used which I much prefer, but I'm having trouble finding one who doesn't want a set direct debit amount each month.

I understand prices have hiked, an there's the option of using pre payment meters, but I don't want to do that, I just want to pay my bill every month if that's at all possible.

Just wondered if any one knows of a provider who does this please?

Thanks for reading x

I don't understand why you would want to do this. Looking back at my energy account, which asks for monthly readings and gives a statement based on the actual readings, but takes a regular monthly direct debit, the winter bill is over twice that in the summer.

So you find yourself making much larger payments round Christmas time, which is already an expensive time of year.

I don't know any provider that offers what you're asking for, except on prepayment, which is more expensive. But even if they do, they might not hang around for long anyway, as many more companies are predicted to go bust in the next few months, and there's likely to only be the big six and a handful of others remaining.

You might be able to get a quarterly billing account, where you pay for each quarter's use, but again you'll be giving up the direct debit discount.

My fuel bills aren't really any higher over winter months to be honest, I'm pretty much always at work an it's only myself at home in a well insulated tiny little flat. I pay roughly 55 a month all year round, but all the quotes from energy companies are asking for double that even with exact kwh usage per year/month I'm putting in. I know the price increase will affect that though.

I did think that would be the case as you've said, but I just wondered if anyone knew of an energy provider doing otherwise.

Thanks for replying, think I'll just have to go with the quarterly usage bill x

I'm with Octopus and pay DD a fixed amount but was able to put that down once it was clear I wasn't using that much. This month they've nudged me to withdraw some as I have about 4 x monthly cost in credit. So I've drawn some out which means they are holding about 2x.

I appreciate that's not what you are asking but the rates I pay are really good and each month I enter readings and they produce a bill so I do know exactly where I stand.

@Kezzie200

Thank you, this is what happened with an old provider they had almost 500 pounds in credit and stil wanted to charge me the same amount, it took a while to get some back from them and they still weren't willing to lower my dd. Its good to know of a company happy to do that!

I'll look into octopus, thank you so much x

Octopus are amazing and probably the closest to what you are after. Though we pay a dd they are very reactive and quick to adjust.

I'm with Eon and just give them a monthly meter reading and then pay for exactly what I've used each month. I won't have a direct debit with these companies who keep huge amounts of my money in reserve.

I save a set amount each month throughout the year (based on what Eon estimates my annual cost to be) and just pay it from that savings account. This evens out the summer/winter differences in cost.

@Bobbybobbins @HerBigChance

That's really helpful, thank you both so much for answering x

With Octopus you can adjust your payment up and down when you want. I just decreased mine as I was in credit

They ask for monthly meter readings and within minutes of inputting them you can see how much gas/electric you have used

If you do switch make sure you use a referral link as it gets you and the person referring you a £50 credit to yours/their bill

@dementedpixie

That's handy to know, thank you so much for sharing that x

I am with bulb...you can adjust your dd accordingly

We use Pure Planet. We submit monthly readings and they apply a seasonal payment plan, they adjust it up or down every 6 months.

I suspect you are penalised if your estimated consumption is significantly different, but it works for us.

It is probably worth going through Quidco or a similar cashback site for any supplier (but check the rates offered are the same).

EDF energy will bill you each month for what you have used and you just pay the bill .

Thank you all so much, that's so helpful.

I've literally spent hours online looking for providers like the ones you've mentioned, without much luck which is why I posted on here, so glad I did now x

We’ve been with avro energy for just over a year. Really easy to deal with and the best price for usage and house size. They also do the warm home discount if you are eligible

Thank you, I really appreciate all the recommendations x

Would someone mind sharing a referral code for octopus please? Think I'm going to change to them, rather than British Gas.

Thank you x

@binkydebonky

I am with bulb...you can adjust your dd accordingly

I know you typed this a few days ago but I'd be wary about switching to bulb given the worries this week.

@Lifeisshortandbittersweet

Would someone mind sharing a referral code for octopus please? Think I'm going to change to them, rather than British Gas.

Thank you x

share.octopus.energy/ochre-queen-514

Make links clickable using and round the link with no spaces

I’m with EDF and pay quarterly, don’t think there is a monthly option. I take my reading & upload online and pay for what I’ve used. The tariff is a bit higher than DD but I prefer to pay for what I’ve used.

E.g share.octopus.energy/aqua-race-453

share.octopus.energy/stone-squid-613

I am also with Octopus and manage my account the same as dementedpixie. No problems with them at all

share.octopus.energy/grape-moose-214

Thank you @dementedpixie, signed up today for a fixed tariff til Nov 23 x