Gas bill, 200 in credit ?

Normally companies don't refund "credits" like this unless they are large (depends on company policy but I think around 300)

Instead they reduce the monthly payment which "runs down" the credit over a year or so..

However, you are quite within your rights to request that the 160 be returned to you and to have higher monthly payments instead, on the basis that you are better off holding the money then they are!

If the 160 credit was built up in a year suggest a monthly payment of around 40 in future- though it may be a good idea to show around for a new supplier as well (i.e.

The normal idea is that you pay a level amount each month, which means that sometimes you are in credit, sometimes debit. If the monthly payments have been estimated correctly you'll be all square at thend of the month. But, like now at the end of the summer, you're likely to be in credit. If they pay it back, then you'll have to up your future payments to allow for the extra in the winter.

Rob Graham

In your situation I would cancel the direct debit through my bank and tell (don't ask) Powergen you are doing this until the credit has been used up. You can ask for a refund but don't hold your breath waiting for the cheque.

If you ask they must refund: it's your money, see?

Cancel DD for three months and then start it again but write to them (keeping a copy) stating what you are doing and why.

Jac

As per the earlier suggestion, go to

Si.

I woudn't cancel the direct debit as they could start to charge you at the non DD rate (more expensive)

Instead I would ask for a refund and as I said earlier make sure you are getting the best deal following Amerada's takeover.

Regards Sunil

I agree it is worth asking for a refund.

Once the account is no longer in credit you can set up the direct debit again and get the lower rate. In the intervening time the account is being paid by money that was collected by direct debit, so you should still get the lower rate. Unless you stand up to the big companies, they will walk all over you.

Should they fail to grant the lower rate on the bills I would wait until money was owed, then tell them in writing why I was disputing the amount and that I would pay immediately once the dispute was resolved. I would also reply to the threatening letters in a similar way, in writing and by phone. If necessary, I would pay them what I calculated to be the correct amount and then start again when the next bill arrived.

Should someone turn up to disconnect, I would make it plain that Powergen had made the mistake with the pile of correspondence.

I would argue that the way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them.

Strange. I use Powergen & noticed a large credit on my bill. When I called them, there was a automatic "If you have received your bill and you are in credit, press......" I was transferred to a person who simply checked my account & arranged a refund of all credit - was in my account within the week. The only problem I have is that they wouldn't subsequently reduce my monthly payment. So, just ask them, you'll probably get a refund. Vic

That's one advantage with getting your gas from British Gas Trading. On their web site you can request a refund of a credit balance and ask for a revised monthly amount.

Same happened to me. Say you want the credit funds back immediately and threaten them with the regulator if they do not comply within 14 days.

In message , Sunil Sood writes

It might also be a good idea to ensure that the meters have been actually 'read' to ensure that the credit balance has not just arisen as a result of estimates, which could mean there is no real credit balance at all.

My old auntie was in a similar situation, she asked them that if they wanted to act like a bank, would she be getting the interest accrued whilst they have it sitting in their account. A cheque arrived within the week!!!

i had no probs with British Gas. 110 in credit. Phoned up. Told them to give it back, had the money BACS'D into the bank account within a week. Bobs your uncle.

Not like Powergen then. Wrote to me three weeks ago to say I was 140 in credit, then told me they'd have to *increase* my DD.

nice. i'll avoid powergen when i consider switching then