Energy bill and Direct Debit moan

[FebruaryWhining]

We are currently with EDF with a smart meter. For reasons known only to EDF, our tariff produces a bill only twice a year, despite the information being available literally 24/7. Fine.

A few months ago I negotiated a payment of £200 a month to them, as I worked out this was what we were likely to pay over the winter months. They tried to negotiate me upwards, but I held firm, and I've been correct, give or take a few pounds each month.

Today I realised for the last two months, they've been taking £400 a month DD payment. They didn't communicate this to me. I raised it with my bank (who were less than helpful). The bank said they could reverse the payment, but I know then EDF would take us off our current tariff, which I don't want. Our current tariff requires payment by DD.

EDF are of course impossible to contact.

Are they allowed to do this? Just milk our bank account for however much they want? Our account is not in debit as - amongst other things - we're not due another bill until May.

When the bank says they will reverse the direct debit it just means they give you back the payment, they don't cancel the direct debit itself

That's what the direct debit guarantee covers you for : if the company takes a payment that is different to what was agreed

Can you amend the direct debit amount on the edf app?

That's interesting. I might try calling the bank back to speak to someone, as I used online chat last time.

Though I also don't want to bugger up the whole billing by reversing two payments.

No ability to amend the DD on the app.

I would send them an online message and check your last bill because the likelihood is that it states on the first page that your DD is going up which means your indemnity claim request would be rejected.

The last bill was November - the DD didn't go up until January. I had also had previous conversations with them where I was VERY clear about the maximum amount I would like them to debit. But I will take your advice and have a proper read through of the November bill.

www.edfenergy.com/for-home/help-centre/faq/i-pay-direct-debit#chapter-23133-5 this says you can change your direct debit by logging into your account

@dementedpixie Thank you, you were quite right, I could change it online (I was trying via the app, but actually I could do it when I logged in on the desktop). However, it would only allow me to reduce it by 20% maximum and even that is just a "request" that they can deny.

Energy prices are one thing (and a whole other can of worms) but energy companies being allowed to keep your account in over-and-above credit for the whole year and keep plundering funds from your account is sharp practice.

We are same DD increased in January also EDF.
Surely they can't just put it up without you agreeing

Are you sure there isn't a notification letter on your on line account?

I'm also with EDF. Had a smart meter fitted in November. We've always been billed January and July. Was wondering where January's bill was and logged on to find they're not billing me until the end if February. Not really sure why they're suddenly going 7 months without billing. They are a law unto themselves.

No they can't just increase it without your knowledge which is why you can use the direct debit guarantee to reclaim the money.

Can you message them on social media if they don't answer the phones?

I'm glad I'm with Octopus as I submit monthly readings and within a short time I have an updated balance with what I've used and what it has cost me.

They have also suggested direct debit amounts but ultimately I can choose an amount I want. I do choose an amount that is reasonable for the energy we use

I'm with EDF and smart meter and pay direct debit whole amount. I'm just paying for what I am using each month.