Your supplier must set a fair direct debit and refund your credit when you ask, unless it has a good reason not to. If you've built up a big credit, you can ask for it back.
Checked 7 October 2026Written by the MyBillChecker team
A fair direct debit should bring your balance close to zero over a year, based on your actual use, your tariff and your current balance. Ofgem figures reported by MoneySavingExpert suggest the average household account was about £200 in credit in 2025.
How to get it lowered or refunded
Give an up-to-date meter reading so the calculation uses real figures.
Ask how the direct debit was worked out.
Ask for a lower payment or a refund of credit, in writing.
If they refuse without a good reason, complain. Unresolved after 8 weeks, go to the Energy Ombudsman.
Tip: the best time to ask for a refund is late summer, before winter use eats into the credit.
Template: credit refund request
Template letter
Account number: [number]. My account is £[amount] in credit. Under your licence conditions, please refund £[amount] to my bank account and review my direct debit using the reading I've sent today ([reading], [date]). Please reply within 10 working days.
Frequently asked questions
Can they refuse?
Only with a reasonable explanation, for example if you'll need the credit for winter use soon.
Will lowering it leave me in debt?
It could if you set it too low. Base it on your real annual use.
