Get a refund for your energy credit balance (UK)
If you’ve built up credit on your gas or electricity account, you may be able to claim it back. Use this guide to check what to ask for, what suppliers can require, and when switching could help prevent overpaying again.
- Learn when you can request a credit balance refund and what suppliers may check
- Template steps to contact your supplier and speed up the process
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs to reduce future credit build-up
EnergyPlus is a UK home energy comparison service (whole-of-market). We’ll never ask for your bank details on this page.
Start here: check if you can get an energy credit refund
Being “in credit” means you’ve paid more into your energy account than your supplier says you owe right now. This is common with monthly Direct Debit—especially after a warm winter, after a meter reading lowers your estimate, or if your payments were set too high.
Many households can request a refund of some or all of that credit. Suppliers may need up-to-date meter readings first (or smart meter data), and they may look at whether your account is likely to go into debt soon.
Quick check: If your last bill is based on an estimated reading, send a new reading (or check your smart meter is communicating) before requesting a refund. It can reduce delays and disputes.
Tip: If you’re in credit because your Direct Debit is too high, you can usually ask for the payment to be recalculated as well as requesting a refund.
What EnergyPlus can help with
- Show you how to request a credit balance refund with the right information to hand
- Help you compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs, so you’re less likely to overpay going forward
- Support a smoother switch where it makes sense—so any remaining credit is handled correctly
Get help to request your refund & compare tariffs
Complete the form and we’ll guide you on the next best step—refund request, Direct Debit review, and/or switching options for your home.
Good to know: If you’re switching supplier, credit balances are typically refunded by your current supplier after your final bill is produced. Taking a current meter reading helps speed this up.
How energy credit balance refunds work in the UK
1) Confirm the balance is real
Make sure your account is based on accurate usage (meter readings or smart data). If your bill is estimated, the “credit” might change after a true reading.
2) Request a refund (and a Direct Debit review)
You can ask your supplier to return a portion or the full balance. It’s also sensible to ask them to adjust your monthly payment so credit doesn’t rebuild.
3) Keep your account safe for winter
Suppliers may assess upcoming costs (e.g., seasonal usage) before refunding. If you refund too much, you could end up in debt later.
Important: This page is general guidance for UK households. Each supplier’s process varies. If you’re in hardship or struggling to pay, ask about payment support options as well as any credit refund.
Why you might be in credit on your gas or electricity
Energy accounts often run “smooth payments” (like monthly Direct Debit), so you pay a similar amount year-round even though you use more in winter. Credit can be normal—but large or persistent credit may mean your payments or estimates need fixing.
Common causes
- Your supplier estimated usage too high (no recent readings)
- You had a warmer period and used less energy than expected
- You improved insulation or changed habits (e.g., lower thermostat)
- You had a tariff change but Direct Debit wasn’t rebalanced
- Your payment level was set cautiously after a previous debt
Before you refund: a sensible checklist
- Check the latest bill date and whether readings are estimated
- Submit current gas/electric meter readings (or check smart status)
- Review your Direct Debit level vs your annual usage/costs
- Consider upcoming seasonal costs (winter heating)
- Decide whether to refund all or part of the credit
If you’re consistently building up credit, comparing tariffs can help—especially if you’re on an expensive standard variable tariff (SVT). Jump to compare home energy deals.
How to request an energy credit refund (step-by-step)
Use this process whether you’re with a large supplier or a smaller provider. The key is providing up-to-date readings and asking for both a refund and a payment recalculation.
Step 1
Get your latest bill, note the credit amount, and check whether it’s based on an estimate.
Step 2
Provide current meter readings (gas and/or electricity) or confirm your smart meter is sending readings.
Step 3
Ask for a credit balance refund and request a Direct Debit review based on your actual usage.
Step 4
If you’re unhappy with delays, follow the supplier’s complaints process and keep a record of dates and reference numbers.
What to say (copy/paste request)
You can use wording like:
“Hi, my account is currently in credit by £[amount]. Please confirm my balance using my latest meter reading(s) dated [date], then refund £[amount or full balance] to my payment method. Please also review my Direct Debit amount so future payments reflect my actual usage.”
If you’re switching supplier
- Take a meter reading on switch day (or as close as possible)
- Expect a final bill from your current supplier
- Any remaining credit is typically returned after the final bill is processed
- Keep confirmation emails and screenshots of readings submitted
Switching can be a good time to reset your Direct Debit to a more accurate amount. See whole-of-market comparisons.
What suppliers may require before refunding credit
Suppliers often have checks in place to reduce the risk of refunding money that will be needed for upcoming charges. Here are typical requirements and what you can do to help your request succeed.
Practical approach: If your account is hundreds of pounds in credit, consider refunding part of it and reducing your Direct Debit. That can be easier to approve and keeps a buffer for colder months.
Common mistakes that delay energy credit refunds
Relying on estimated bills
If the supplier later corrects your usage, your “credit” may shrink. Send readings first, then request the refund.
Refunding everything without a plan
Taking the full balance can leave you short for winter and cause Direct Debit spikes later. Consider a partial refund and a payment review.
Switching without final readings
Missing switch-day readings can lead to long disputes and slow refunds. Take photos of meters and record the date.
If you think your balance is wrong: ask for a statement showing charges, payments, and how the balance was calculated. If needed, raise a formal complaint with the supplier and keep copies.
Compare home energy tariffs to avoid building up credit again
If your supplier has kept your Direct Debit higher than it needs to be, or your tariff is poor value, switching could help you regain control. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy deals so you can look for a tariff that suits your usage and payment preferences.
Better payment fit
Aim for a Direct Debit that reflects usage—without overpaying month after month.
Cleaner billing
Accurate readings and transparent bills make credit balances easier to understand.
Ready to act? Use the form above in Refund check & form to get tailored help.
Before you switch: 4 things to do
- Take current gas/electric meter readings (photos help)
- Check whether you’re in contract and if exit fees apply
- Keep an eye out for your final bill and any refund timeline
- Set a realistic Direct Debit level with the new supplier
Remember: Any existing credit sits with your current supplier until your final bill is produced. Switching doesn’t usually “transfer” the credit across.
FAQs: energy credit balance refunds (UK)
Can my energy supplier refuse to refund my credit?
They may say they need updated readings, or that the credit is likely to be needed for upcoming charges. If you disagree, ask for the calculation, request a partial refund, and follow their complaints process if it’s not resolved.
How do I know if my bill is estimated?
Your bill or online account usually labels readings as “Estimated (E)” vs “Actual (A)”. If it’s estimated, submit new readings and ask for a revised bill before requesting a refund.
What if I have a smart meter?
A smart meter can help keep bills accurate, but only if it’s communicating properly. If the supplier isn’t receiving readings, you may still need to submit them manually.
Will switching supplier affect my refund?
Switching usually triggers a final bill with your old supplier. Any remaining credit is typically refunded once that final bill is produced. Providing switch-day readings helps prevent delays.
Should I reduce my Direct Debit if I’m in credit?
Often, yes—if your credit is persistent and your usage supports it. Ask your supplier for a recalculation based on actual usage and seasonality, and avoid reducing it so far that you build debt over winter.
I’m on prepayment—can I have a “credit refund”?
Prepayment works differently to monthly billed credit. If you believe your account has been credited incorrectly (for example after a meter change), contact your supplier with details and ask them to explain the balance.
What UK households say about getting billing back on track
“We were paying far too much by Direct Debit and didn’t realise how much credit had built up. Submitting meter readings first made the refund request straightforward.”
“Switch-day meter photos saved a lot of hassle. The final bill came through and the credit was returned without going back and forth.”
“The most helpful part was asking for a Direct Debit review at the same time as the refund. It stopped the credit building up again.”
Trust note: Always use your supplier’s official app/website or verified phone number from a bill. Be cautious of unsolicited calls about refunds.
Ready to claim your energy credit refund and stop overpaying?
Use the form to get guidance on the quickest next step—refund request, meter reading check, Direct Debit review, and whole-of-market comparison for your home.
For UK households only (not business energy). If you’re in urgent financial difficulty, tell your supplier as soon as possible to discuss support options.
What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)
- Your postcode
- Your latest bill (or current online balance)
- Up-to-date meter readings (if you have them)
- Preferred contact details
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