Ofgem Direct Debit Refund Rules 2026: Check & Claim What You’re Owed

If your energy supplier has built up a large credit balance on your account, the Ofgem direct debit refund rules can help you request a refund and set a fair monthly payment. Tell us about your home energy account and we’ll guide you through the best next steps — and compare whole-of-market tariffs if switching could protect you from overpaying again.

  • Understand what the Ofgem rules mean for refunds, credit balances and monthly direct debits
  • Quick eligibility check based on your usage, billing and account status
  • Whole-of-market comparison to reduce future overpayment (including fixed & variable options)
  • UK-focused guidance for homeowners and tenants (not business energy)
Start your refund & tariff check Read the rules first

We’re a whole-of-market comparison service. We’ll share guidance and options; we’re not Ofgem and we can’t force a supplier to refund. You stay in control of any request you send.

Check your Ofgem direct debit refund position (and compare tariffs)

Many UK households pay by monthly direct debit. If your payments are set too high, your account can build up a significant credit balance. Ofgem’s expectations are that suppliers should keep direct debits fair and based on reasonable estimates — and that you can request money back where appropriate.

This page focuses on the intent behind the Ofgem direct debit refund rules in 2026 — what to look for, what evidence helps, and how to raise a refund request in a way suppliers can action quickly. We also help you compare whole-of-market tariffs so you can reduce the chance of overpaying again.

Good to know: A credit balance isn’t automatically “wrong”. Many suppliers keep a buffer to cover winter use. But if your balance is higher than needed, your direct debit may be set too high — and a refund plus a recalculation may be appropriate.

What we’ll do when you submit the form

  • Confirm your home postcode area and typical household setup
  • Talk through supplier credit, latest bill dates and meter type (smart or traditional)
  • Explain practical refund request wording and what to ask the supplier to review
  • Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs to lower ongoing costs and improve payment accuracy

Start your refund & tariff check

Fill in your details and we’ll help you understand your options for a direct debit refund request and future savings.

Start your comparison

By submitting, you confirm this is for a UK home energy comparison. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and contact you about your comparison. You can opt out at any time.

Tip: For fastest progress, have your latest statement handy (balance, direct debit amount, and last meter reading date).

Mobile layout note: the form is designed to stack under the text on smaller screens for easier completion.

Why households overpay by direct debit (and why refunds matter)

Seasonal usage vs fixed payments

Direct debits are typically smoothed across the year. That’s helpful in winter, but can lead to large summer credit if the estimate isn’t updated.

Out-of-date meter readings

Estimated bills can distort your balance. Smart meters help, but even then you should check bills reflect current usage and tariffs.

Price changes and tariff shifts

When unit rates change (or you roll onto a standard variable tariff), suppliers may adjust payments. Sometimes the adjustment overshoots what you actually need.

Refunds can improve your household cashflow

If you’re carrying a high credit balance, a refund can release money back to your household budget — especially useful when other costs rise.

Recalculating prevents the same issue repeating

A refund alone isn’t enough if the direct debit stays too high. The most effective approach is refund + payment review based on up-to-date usage.

Ofgem direct debit refund rules (2026): what to expect

Ofgem is the UK energy regulator. Suppliers are expected to treat customers fairly and keep payment plans accurate. While the exact supplier processes vary, the practical “rules” households rely on usually come down to three key principles: fair payment setting, clear information, and reasonable handling of credit balances.

Important: We can’t guarantee outcomes and we don’t represent Ofgem. This page is guidance to help you request a refund and challenge a direct debit amount in a structured, evidence-led way.

Common factors suppliers consider before refunding credit

Factor Why it matters What you can do
Recent meter readings Refunds are easier when the supplier is confident your balance is accurate. Submit a reading (or confirm smart meter data is up to date).
Debt risk / arrears If the account is in arrears, the supplier may offset credit against debt. Ask for a balance breakdown and confirm whether any charges are disputed.
Winter projection Some credit is held to cover higher winter usage. Request a recalculation of your direct debit using your last 12 months’ consumption.
Account changes Moving home, tariff changes, or billing corrections can change your true balance. Make sure your address, tariff and billing dates are correct before requesting the refund.

What “fair” usually looks like for a direct debit

  • Monthly payments broadly match annual usage divided across the year (with a reasonable seasonal buffer).
  • Payment plans are reviewed when there’s a material change (price, usage, household size, heating changes).
  • Credit isn’t allowed to build up indefinitely without good reason; you can request a refund and a recalculation.

How to claim a direct debit refund: a practical 2026 checklist

If you want to claim money back from an energy supplier, the aim is to make it easy for them to verify your account balance and update your direct debit. Use this step-by-step approach.

  1. Check your current balance on your latest statement or app. Note the credit amount and statement date.
  2. Confirm your readings. If you don’t have a smart meter (or data isn’t flowing), submit a manual reading.
  3. Request a direct debit review based on your last 12 months’ consumption and current prices.
  4. Ask for a refund of excess credit (you can specify an amount) and request written confirmation of the updated monthly payment.
  5. Keep records: screenshots, emails, dates/times of calls, and any reference numbers.
  6. If the supplier refuses or delays, follow their complaints process. If unresolved, you may be able to escalate to the Energy Ombudsman (subject to eligibility and process).

Suggested wording (copy/paste)

“Please review my monthly direct debit based on my latest meter readings and my last 12 months’ consumption. My account is currently in credit by £[X]. I’m requesting a refund of £[Y] as excess credit and written confirmation of my updated direct debit amount.”

What to have ready

  • Your latest bill date and current balance
  • Current direct debit amount and payment date
  • Meter reading date (or confirmation your smart meter is sending data)
  • Any recent household changes (new boiler, heat pump, EV, working from home)

How to stop building up credit in the first place

A successful refund request is only half the solution. The other half is preventing your direct debit from drifting away from your real usage. These actions typically make the biggest difference for UK homes.

Submit regular readings

Even with a smart meter, check your bills are based on actual reads. For traditional meters, submit monthly if you can.

Review direct debit after price changes

When rates change, ask the supplier for the calculation behind your new payment. If it doesn’t reflect your usage, challenge it.

Compare the whole market

Switching to a tariff that suits your usage pattern can reduce bills and make your monthly payments easier to keep accurate.

Solar note (relevant for this page location): If you have solar panels (or plan to), export payments and changing import usage can affect your direct debit calculations. A tariff review after installation can help prevent unnecessary credit build-up.

Eligibility: when a refund request is more likely to succeed

You may be in a strong position if…

  • Your account is clearly in credit (e.g., a large positive balance on a recent bill)
  • Your bills are based on recent actual readings (or confirmed smart meter reads)
  • Your direct debit hasn’t been reviewed recently despite a stable or reduced usage pattern
  • You can show the credit is significantly higher than a reasonable seasonal buffer

A supplier may push back if…

  • Your bills are still estimated and the true balance isn’t confirmed
  • There’s an open billing dispute or an ongoing account correction
  • The supplier believes winter usage will quickly reduce your credit
  • There’s debt on another part of the account that needs resolving

Common mistakes that delay refunds (and how to avoid them)

Requesting a refund without confirming readings

If the supplier can’t trust the balance, they may pause. Submit a reading first, then ask for refund + recalculation.

Only asking for money back

If the direct debit stays too high, the credit will rebuild. Ask for a direct debit review at the same time.

Not keeping a written trail

Use email or live chat where possible. If you phone, ask for a reference number and note the date/time.

FAQs: Ofgem direct debit refund rules & claims

Can I insist on a refund if I’m in credit?

You can request one, and suppliers should handle the request fairly. Whether they refund immediately can depend on readings, billing accuracy, and whether the credit is needed for projected winter usage.

What if my bills are estimated?

Submit an up-to-date meter reading first. A refund request based on confirmed readings is typically faster and reduces the chance of the supplier later claiming the credit was inaccurate.

Does switching supplier affect my credit?

When you switch, your old supplier issues a final bill. If you’re in credit, they should return it after the final balance is confirmed (timings vary). Keeping accurate readings at switch time is crucial.

Is this page about business energy?

No. This guidance and our comparison support is for home energy accounts in the UK.

What if my supplier keeps raising my direct debit?

Ask for the calculation and the consumption assumptions used. If they’re relying on outdated estimates, provide readings and request a recalculation. If prices or your usage changed, consider comparing tariffs across the whole market.

Can EnergyPlus submit the refund request for me?

We can guide you with what to ask for and how to present your evidence, and we can help you compare whole-of-market tariffs. Your supplier account actions are still yours to authorise.

Trust signals: what customers value about EnergyPlus

“Clear explanation of my credit balance and what to ask my supplier for.”

Home energy customer, UK

“Whole-of-market options helped me pick a tariff that finally matched my usage.”

Home energy customer, UK

“The checklist saved time — I got a proper direct debit review instead of generic answers.”

Home energy customer, UK

Whole-of-market comparison: we consider a broad range of home energy tariffs so you can compare value and suitability — not just one supplier’s offers.

Ready to check your 2026 direct debit refund options?

Tell us your postcode and contact details. We’ll help you understand what to ask your supplier for and compare whole-of-market tariffs that better match your household usage.

Home energy only. If you’re moving home or have solar, mention it — it can affect credit and direct debit calculations.

What you’ll get

  • Refund request guidance tailored to your situation
  • Whole-of-market tariff comparison
  • Practical steps to keep payments accurate going forward

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026