Paying for your energy by Direct Debit

Find out more about one of the cheapest and easiest ways to pay for your electricity and gas. 

When you're ready to set up your Direct Debit, just give us a call on 0333 006 99 50.(1)

The benefits of Direct Debit

There are three big advantages to paying for your energy by Direct Debit:

  1. You spread your energy costs over the year over, by paying 12 equal monthly payments – helping you to manage your household budget
  2. Your payments automatically come straight out of your bank – so you don't have to remember to pay the bill every month
  3. It's one of the cheapest ways to pay – you'd pay more if you paid your bill by cash, card or cheque

How your Direct Debit payments work

Once you set up your Direct Debit, we'll confirm your monthly payment amount – as well as your chosen monthly payment date.
 
You'll then see the same amount come out of your back each month, unless your energy use or tariff prices change (see below for details).

How we set your Direct Debit payments

We look at your latest energy use, account balance and tariff prices to work out your total expected energy costs for the year ahead.

We divide this total by 12 to set the amount you pay each month. This way, you'll cover your expected yearly energy costs over 12 equal monthly payments.

When your Direct Debit payments might change

One of the great things about paying by Direct Debit is knowing what's coming out of your bank each month. That's why we try not to change your payments more than four times a year.

The only time we would change your payments is if we spot your expected energy costs have changed. Maybe you're using more or less energy, or your tariff prices have changed.

We'll always give you plenty of notice if we're about to change your payments.

Cancelling your Direct Debit

Just get in touch if you want to cancel your Direct Debit. We can work with you to find a way to pay that suits you.

Please don't cancel your Direct Debit before speaking to us, as your unit rates might increase. Any unpaid bills might lead to a late payment charge and affect your credit rating.

Changing supplier?

You don't have to cancel your Direct Debit when you change supplier – we do it for you. We'll take a final payment or refund you within three working days of your final bill; then delete your bank details from our system.

Want to pay by Direct Debit – but prefer to pay your bill in full each month?

We can set up your Direct Debit so you pay for the exact amount of energy you use each month. Here's how it works:

  1. You or your smart meter gives us a meter reading each month
  2. We then send you a bill for the energy you've used
  3. You pay your monthly bill automatically by Direct Debit

You can ask us to set you up on this type of Direct Debit; just give us a call on 0333 006 99 50.(1)

Get help if you're struggling to pay

If you're finding it hard to pay your energy bills, we're here to support you:

Get help with bills