Ofgem direct debit review 2026: reduce my payments
If your energy direct debit is due for review in 2026 (or has just changed), we’ll help you understand what Ofgem’s rules mean, what suppliers should consider, and the practical steps to lower your monthly payment. Compare whole-of-market tariffs with EnergyPlus and request a fair, evidence-led direct debit.
- Check if your 2026 direct debit looks too high for your usage
- Learn what you can ask your supplier to review (and what to share)
- Compare unit rates & standing charges across the whole market
- Submit a quick form to see if switching could cut bills and smooth payments
Home energy only. Switching and payment changes depend on tariff availability, meter type, and supplier checks. We compare across the market where available.
Check if a switch could lower your 2026 direct debit
Direct debit reviews are common around price cap updates and when your supplier recalculates your forecast usage or tries to clear a debit balance. If your monthly amount feels out of step with your meter readings, you have options.
EnergyPlus compares home energy tariffs across the whole-of-market where available (including fixes and variable tariffs), so you can see whether different unit rates and standing charges could bring your monthly cost down.
Tip: For the most accurate advice, have a recent bill to hand (or your app open) with your annual usage in kWh, current tariff name, and whether you’re in credit/debit.
What happens after you submit
- We use your postcode and contact details to help find suitable home energy options.
- We can explain how a tariff change may affect your ongoing direct debit amount.
- If you want, we’ll share a simple checklist you can use to request a supplier direct debit review using your meter readings.
Why your energy supplier may raise your direct debit in 2026
A direct debit is usually set to spread your annual energy costs evenly across the year. During a review, suppliers often update your payment using a mix of forecast consumption, current tariff prices, and your account balance. When any of those inputs change, your monthly payment can jump.
Price changes
If your unit rates or standing charges rise (including around price cap updates), your expected annual cost can increase—pushing up the direct debit even if your usage hasn’t changed.
Usage forecast changes
Suppliers estimate your annual kWh. If you’ve had estimated bills, moved home, changed heating habits, or added EV charging, the forecast may be revised upwards.
Debit balance recovery
If your account is in debit, the supplier may increase payments to clear it—sometimes over a short period that makes the monthly figure feel unmanageable.
Key point: A higher direct debit isn’t always “wrong”, but it should be reasonable and evidence-based. If you have up-to-date meter readings (or smart meter data), you can challenge a forecast that doesn’t match reality.
Ofgem direct debit review: what it means (and what it doesn’t)
Ofgem is the energy regulator for Great Britain. When people talk about an “Ofgem direct debit review”, they usually mean the standards and expectations suppliers should follow when setting and reviewing direct debits. In practice, your supplier performs the review, but it should be done fairly and transparently.
What a fair review should include
- Recent meter readings (or smart meter consumption where available)
- Current tariff prices and how they affect annual cost
- Your account balance (credit or debit) and a sensible plan to address it
- Clear explanation of how the new monthly amount was calculated
- Options you can take if you disagree (submit readings, query forecast, or change payment method where appropriate)
What it doesn’t guarantee
- That your direct debit will go down (it depends on prices, usage and balance)
- That your supplier will match the cheapest tariff on the market
- That switching is always possible immediately (e.g., debt blocks, address checks)
- That estimates will be perfect if readings are missing or outdated
Useful to know: If your payments changed and you weren’t sure why, ask for a breakdown: usage assumption (kWh), unit rates, standing charges, and how any debit/credit was spread across months.
How to reduce your direct debit after the 2026 review
If the new amount feels too high, focus on what drives it: price, forecast usage, and balance. Below are practical actions that commonly lead to a lower monthly payment—either immediately or at the next recalculation.
- Submit up-to-date meter readings (or confirm smart data). Estimated usage can inflate direct debits. Provide gas/electric readings and ask the supplier to recalculate your forecast using the latest data.
- Ask for the calculation and challenge the assumptions. Request the annual kWh they’re using, your current rates, and how they’ve spread any debit/credit across months. If it’s based on outdated estimates, ask for a revised figure.
- Review your account balance strategy. If you’re in debit, ask to spread repayment over a longer period (where appropriate) so it’s more affordable, especially if the debit was caused by estimated billing.
- Compare tariffs (unit rates & standing charges) and consider switching. If your tariff is expensive, a switch can reduce the annual cost—often the biggest lever for lowering the direct debit over time.
- Set a realistic target that avoids building debt again. A very low direct debit can feel good today but may lead to a large catch-up later. The goal is a fair monthly amount aligned to your usage.
Quick win: If your home is in credit and your usage looks lower than forecast, you can ask for a direct debit reduction using your last 2–3 months’ readings as evidence.
Direct debit review 2026: quick checks before you agree
Use this table to sense-check whether the new monthly amount is likely to be reasonable. If one of these looks off, it’s worth requesting a recalculation and comparing tariffs.
| Check | What “OK” can look like | If it looks wrong, do this |
|---|---|---|
| Annual usage (kWh) | Matches your bill history or smart meter trends (seasonality considered). | Submit readings and request an updated forecast; ask what period they used. |
| Standing charge | Correct for your region and meter type, shown clearly on tariff details. | Compare alternative tariffs with lower standing charge (where available). |
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Reflects your current tariff and any recent price changes. | Check if you’ve rolled onto a pricier variable tariff; compare fixes and alternatives. |
| Credit/debit balance | Balance aligns to recent statements and payments. | If you’re unexpectedly in debit, query estimated bills and request a rebill if needed. |
| Monthly payment plan | Covers expected annual cost without creating ongoing debt. | Ask to spread any debit over more months; if prices are high, consider switching. |
If you want to act now, use the comparison form and we’ll help you assess tariff options that may reduce your overall annual cost—often the simplest route to bringing your direct debit down.
Common mistakes that keep direct debits high
Relying on estimates for too long
Estimated bills can drift away from reality—leading to bigger corrections and higher direct debits. Submitting readings regularly (or ensuring your smart meter is communicating) keeps forecasts grounded.
Ignoring standing charges when comparing
Two tariffs can look similar on unit rate but differ on standing charge. For lower-usage homes, standing charges can have a big impact on your monthly cost.
Assuming the supplier’s forecast is fixed
If your situation has changed (new boiler, insulation, fewer people at home), ask for the forecast to be updated using recent consumption—not last year’s pattern.
Staying on an expensive default tariff
If you rolled off a fixed deal, your new tariff could be less competitive. Comparing whole-of-market options can reduce annual cost and steady your direct debit.
Regional & meter-type considerations (Great Britain)
Your prices can vary by region, payment method, and meter setup. This matters because suppliers often set direct debits based on your tariff’s regional rates and your expected kWh.
Standard vs smart meters
Smart meters can provide more accurate usage data, but only if they’re communicating. If not, your supplier may revert to estimates—affecting your direct debit.
Economy 7 / multi-rate
If you have off-peak rates, the split between day/night usage matters. Incorrect assumptions can distort your forecast and your monthly payment.
Regional standing charges
Standing charges vary by area and network costs. Comparing tariffs using your postcode helps ensure you’re seeing accurate, localised pricing.
FAQs: Ofgem direct debit review 2026
Can I ask my supplier to reduce my direct debit?
Yes. If you have evidence that your forecast is too high (recent readings, lower usage, or a credit balance), you can request a recalculation and a lower amount. Ask for the supplier’s forecast kWh, current rates, and how they’ve spread any debit/credit across the year.
If prices on your tariff are the main driver, comparing and switching can be the fastest path to reducing your overall cost.
What if I’m in credit but my direct debit went up?
It can happen if the supplier expects higher future costs or higher future usage. Ask them to explain why the increase is needed despite the credit. Provide updated readings and ask to base the direct debit on your recent consumption trends.
Will switching supplier change my direct debit straight away?
Your new supplier will set a new direct debit based on your expected annual usage and the new tariff rates. If the new tariff is cheaper, your monthly amount may reduce, but it depends on your balance position and the payment plan used.
Do I need a smart meter to get a fair direct debit?
No. Smart meter data can help, but you can still get a fair direct debit by providing regular meter readings and ensuring your account is billed to actual usage.
What information should I give when disputing a direct debit increase?
- Latest gas and/or electricity meter readings (with dates)
- Your current tariff name and rates (unit rate and standing charge)
- Your account balance and whether you’ve had estimated bills
- Any change in household usage (occupancy, heating, EV, insulation)
Is this guide for business energy?
No. This page is for UK home energy customers only.
Still unsure? Submit the form and we’ll help you review tariff options and next steps.
What customers say about comparing with EnergyPlus
We focus on clear explanations and whole-of-market comparison where available—so you can make confident decisions about tariffs and monthly payments.
“I finally understood why my direct debit jumped. The comparison helped me switch to a cheaper tariff and the new monthly amount made sense.”
“Helpful and straightforward. They explained standing charges vs unit rates and how that feeds into direct debit reviews.”
“I submitted new meter readings and asked for a recalculation using the checklist—my supplier reduced the payment after reviewing it.”
Trust note: We’re a comparison service. We’ll help you understand options, but the final direct debit amount is set by your chosen supplier based on their checks and your account details.
Ready to reduce your monthly payments?
If your 2026 direct debit review looks too high, compare whole-of-market tariffs and get clear next steps. It takes a minute to submit your details.
- Whole-of-market comparison where available
- Focus on unit rates, standing charges and realistic monthly plans
- Home energy only
Prefer to read first? Jump to steps to lower DD.
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