Energy company increasing direct debit without warning

[Boleynforsoup]

When the price hikes came into force again in October they tried to increase my direct debit by over £100 even though I was in credit by several hundred pounds. I phoned them and said I wasn't agreeing to it, set up a sufficient amount as a direct debit.

I've just checked my back and they have nearly tripled my direct debit charge for this month with no prior warning.... we now have nothing to live off for the next 8 days.... can they do this without any written warning?

They have no actual usage to base this on as I haven't had the time to send meter readings for a few months as it's pitch black by the time I get in so can't see to get the gas reading but we've barely been using it as I'm so worried about the cost.

Can think**

No every other time there has been an increase I received a letter at least a month in advance. This time nothing. Looked back over all my bills and emails last night to be sure.

Sorted now anyway.

Thank you @Boleynforsoup i just checked my British Gas app and they have increased my Direct debit by 43% with no notice. To all the doubters - this definitely happens. I can’t reduce my Dd on the app - only increase it. BG only bill every 6 months and I am currently at the start of a new 6 month cycle and the account is £8 in debt so there’s no justification for increase. I guess I’ll have to contact my bank. So tiresome.

You mention letters? Are you still getting your correspondence by post? Is so, the letter telling you of the increase is probably still at the bottom of a pile in a sorting office somewhere, post Royal Mail strikes.

For those of you on British Gas who only officially bill twice a year, I regularly request in the chat an updated bill which they always do? Normally every two months. That way I can keep up and am not expecting any nasty surprises. They were trying to put my direct debit up by 75 pounds. I did a bill update today and I am only 6 pounds in debt. And through the hardest part of winter.