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Case Study: The £49,000 Bill That Should Never Have ExistedLet me tell you this story because it's honestly one of the m...
16/10/2026

Case Study: The £49,000 Bill That Should Never Have Existed

Let me tell you this story because it's honestly one of the most shocking examples I've seen of just how wrong things can go with your energy bills, and exactly why you can never just pay and hope for the best.

Back in May 2024, one of my members switched over to EDF. When they gave their opening meter reading, it was a five-digit number completely normal for their meter. But here's where it all went sideways: somewhere in the system, that reading got replaced with a four-digit figure. No one checked. No one questioned it. Month after month, bills were issued, adjusted, cancelled and reissued but nobody at EDF went back to the very beginning and put that correct five-digit reading in place.

What that meant in practice? They were effectively mixing up imperial and metric units charging for the wrong amount of gas entirely. For years. Because the reading was wrong from day one, every single calculation after that was wrong too. The usage looked far too high on paper, so instead of spotting the mistake early, the difference just kept growing and growing

forty-nine thousand pounds. And they didn't just send a letterthey sent debt collectors to the property, threatening to disconnect their meter. Can you imagine the fear and stress that causes a family and a small business?

Thankfully, my member reached out to me. I asked for the meter details, the account history, and a photo of the actual meter something I always recommend doing. As soon as I saw the five-digit reading against their four-digit system entry, I knew exactly what had happened. This wasn't debt it was a billing error that had been left to spiral out of control.

I escalated this straight to the right people at EDF and was very clear about what needed to happen:

Open a formal complaint immediately

Pause all debt collection action no more visits, no more threats

Remove every single charge related to this mess debt collector fees, everything

Go back to the very start of the account, recalculate everything correctly, and fix the billing once and for all fromA 5 digit reading.

Agree a goodwill payment for the distress and incompetence

I'm really pleased to share that EDF did the right thing once it was pointed out by me. By Wednesday evening, they'd accepted responsibility. We had emails back and forth, a really constructive conversation over the phone, and today Friday we've fully resolved it.

Here's the best part: instead of my member owing them £49,000 EDF now owe THEM over £6,000 in credit on their account. 🙌 They've also agreed to a £200 goodwill payment for all the time, worry and disruption this has caused, and their Direct Debit is being reinstated correctly going forward.

So please take this away today:

• Always keep your own meter readings and submit them monthly

• Check they're billing you for the right units, measurement class, gas meters can be kWh or m³, make sure they know which one you have

• Make sure your opening reading matches what you actually gave them when you switched

• If something looks off don't ignore it. Ask questions. Challenge it. Submit a post and let us review it. I can spot mistakes a mile away.

This family could have lost their energy supply over a bill they never owed. Thousands of pounds in distress and worry all because one number was entered wrong at the start. But because they spoke up and got someone on their side who knew what to look for, not only was the bill cancelled they are getting their money back too. You don't have to fight these battles alone I’ve got you.

Gemma Hatvani

Important Update — E.ON Next Refund Policy ChangeI’m sharing an important update for anyone with E.ON Next: the requirem...
07/10/2026

Important Update — E.ON Next Refund Policy Change

I’m sharing an important update for anyone with E.ON Next: the requirement for meter readings when requesting a refund has recently changed. Previously, a reading provided within the last 30 days was accepted. This has now been reduced to 7 days.

What this means in practice: if you contact E.ON Next to request a refund, they will now ask for an up‑to‑date meter reading taken within the last 7 days before they can process it. While this is a tighter timeframe, it is a reasonable change it ensures refunds are calculated against your actual recent usage, which helps prevent over‑payment or incorrect adjustments on your account. I can understand the reasoning behind this update.

💡 Top tip: If you’re due a refund, submit your latest meter reading before you call — and double‑check it’s within the last week — to keep things smooth and avoid delays.



Gemma

If I had a solution to help you with your energy debt would you trust me and work with me to go to a supplier who cares ...
07/10/2026

If I had a solution to help you with your energy debt would you trust me and work with me to go to a supplier who cares where you would be looked after and your debt would be sorted out with my personal support and support from one of the best suppliers?

📊 BREAKING: UK Households Hold £2.9 BILLION in Energy CreditOfgem’s latest data (July 2025–June 2026) reveals a staggeri...
07/10/2026

📊 BREAKING: UK Households Hold £2.9 BILLION in Energy Credit

Ofgem’s latest data (July 2025–June 2026) reveals a staggering truth:

• Total customer credit balances have hit £2.9 billion — up £200 million year-on-year

• Average household credit = £182 per home

• The 12‑month rolling average has climbed to £3.3 billion — and it’s still rising

This is YOUR money — sitting with energy suppliers — and it’s growing fast. But here’s the reality: credit doesn’t always mean control. Suppliers hold the purse strings, and many people never see that money returned.

Gemma’s 3 Top Tips

Take Back Control of YOUR Credit

Drawing on 20+ years in the energy industry — this is what I tell every single person I support.

📌 1. Submit monthly meter readings — without fail

If you don’t have a working smart meter, send a reading every single month. Don’t wait for them to estimate — estimates are almost always wrong, and that’s how debt builds or credit gets locked away.

📌 2. Take photos & email them — keep proof

Don’t just type numbers into a portal. Take a clear photo of your meter reading’s and email it to your energy supplier. That timestamped image is YOUR evidence — if they dispute your reading later, you’ve got the proof.

📌 3. Keep your own record — always

Write it down, save it in a spreadsheet, or keep a note on your phone. Track every reading, every payment, and every balance. If your credit disappears or your Direct Debit jumps — you have the paper trail to challenge it.

Your money. Your energy. Your account. Don’t let some energy suppliers hold the power over what’s yours. If you need help challenging a credit balance or getting a refund — drop a comment below, and I’ll help you push for it. 👇

Data source: Ofgem — Domestic Energy Customer Credit Balances, July 2025 to June 2026 (published 5 Oct 2026)

Gemma Hatvani

Director of Energy Support And Advice UK 🇬🇧

IMPORTANT UPDATE — Octopus Exit Fee Policy: Verified 6 October 2026Following my earlier post about EON NEXT exit fees, H...
07/10/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE — Octopus Exit Fee Policy: Verified 6 October 2026

Following my earlier post about EON NEXT exit fees, Hazel asked whether the same rules apply at Octopus so I emailed them straight away. I’ve now received direct clarity and confirmation from Octopus’s Senior Leadership Team, and I’m sharing the full details with you all.

🐙 Octopus confirms:

• No exit fees on all flexible tariffs — including the standard variable, Tracker, and Agile products.

• £50 exit fee now applies to 12‑month and 18‑month fixed‑rate plans, as well as the new fixed Cosy and IOG Octopus tariffs.

• Important: If you are already on a fixed tariff without exit fees, your terms remain unchanged — you will not be charged.

❓ Why have they introduced exit fees?

Octopus explains that fixed tariffs mean they buy energy for your full term up front. Exit fees help cover the risk of people leaving early in volatile markets — and they say this actually keeps unit rates lower for everyone. You can read their full explanation here:

https://octopus.energy/help-and-faqs/articles/why-do-some-tariffs-have-exit-fees/

📌 MY TOP TIP

Always read the full terms and conditions on every contract. Yes, they can be tedious to get through — but believe me, they are worth their weight in gold when you need to hold a supplier to account.

Knowledge is power — and thank you, Hazel, for asking the question that got us this answer.

👇 Have you been caught out by exit fees? Let me know in the comments.

Gemma Hatvani

Director of Energy Support and Advice UK

UPDATE: Exit Fees & Tariff Changes — Octopus Energy ClarificationFollowing my recent post regarding E.ON Next’s new poli...
07/10/2026

UPDATE: Exit Fees & Tariff Changes — Octopus Energy Clarification

Following my recent post regarding E.ON Next’s new policy of charging exit fees when switching tariffs while remaining with the same supplier, Hazel raised an important question about Octopus Energy and their approach to exit fees — a question I know many of you are also asking.

Historically, both E.ON and Octopus have waived exit fees for customers moving between their own internal tariffs a widely welcomed practice that supported loyalty and flexibility. However, as we have now seen with E.ON, that position is shifting.

Given the current extreme market volatility, I reached out directly to Octopus Energy today for clarity on their current stance. It is important to acknowledge that energy suppliers are operating in an exceptionally challenging pricing environment; tariff structures and exit fees are directly linked to market risk and while this is commercially understandable, it has significant implications for consumers.

I will provide a full, verified update on Octopus’s position in my next post. It is vital that the advice we share remains accurate, up‑to‑date, and reflective of the current market reality so please bear with me while I secure the correct information.

Knowledge is power and in this climate, we all need clarity before we make a move.

Please read my next post 💗🫶

Gemma

ENERGY DEBT SURVIVAL GUIDE — YOUR RIGHTS & WHAT TO DO, WHOEVER YOUR SUPPLIER IS 🔥 💡 Gemma Hatvani — Energy Support & Adv...
25/09/2026

ENERGY DEBT SURVIVAL GUIDE — YOUR RIGHTS & WHAT TO DO, WHOEVER YOUR SUPPLIER IS 🔥 💡

Gemma Hatvani — Energy Support & Advice UK | Support My Switch
20+ years inside the energy industry — fighting for fairness, transparency, and you.

📌 FIRST THINGS FIRST — DON'T PANIC, AND DON'T IGNORE IT

If you’ve fallen behind on energy payments, the most important thing I need you to know is this: you are not alone, and your supplier is legally required to work with you. Ofgem rules apply to every single energy supplier — and they mean you have rights. But you do have to speak up. Ignoring it won’t make it go away — and it will make things harder.

Read SLC in the comments 👇 📕

MY TOP 3 CHECKS — DO THESE BEFORE YOU CALL ANYONE

🔥 CHECK YOUR TARIFF — are you on the right rates?

This is the single biggest mistake people make. Go to your latest bill or online account and look at your unit rates and standing charges. Are they in line with the current price cap? Or are you paying far more because you’re on an out‑of‑contract or deemed rate? Being overcharged builds debt faster than you can pay it off. Ask them: "Am I on your cheapest available tariff? If not, please move me to it immediately." You have every right to ask — and they must tell you.

💡 CHECK EVERY BILL — is the debt actually correct?

Go back through at least the last 12 months and check:

• Meter readings — are they using your readings or estimates? Estimates are often wrong — and if they’ve been estimating month after month, that final "catch‑up" bill can be shocking.

• Back‑billing rules — legally, they cannot charge you for energy they failed to bill you for more than 12 months ago if it was their fault. That’s Ofgem Standard Licence Condition 21BA — and it applies to every supplier.

• Standing charges & VAT — are these being applied correctly?

• If anything doesn’t add up — raise a formal complaint. Do not agree to repay a debt you don’t believe is correct.

🔥 CHECK HOW THE DEBT HAPPENED — usage vs. Direct Debit shortfalls

Was this caused by genuinely using more energy — or was your Direct Debit set far too low from day one? If they set an unrealistic payment amount and never adjusted it — that is their error, not yours, and it must be taken into account when agreeing a repayment plan.

🛠️ WHAT EVERY SUPPLIER MUST OFFER YOU — YOUR RIGHTS UNDER OFGEM RULES

Ofgem’s Standard Licence Conditions apply to all licensed energy suppliers. That means they must consider and offer you the following support:

AFFORDABLE REPAYMENT PLAN

This is your legal right — under SLC 27.8, they must agree a repayment plan based on what you can actually afford, not what they want you to pay. They should ask about your income, essential spending, and personal circumstances. If the figure they propose leaves you unable to pay for food, rent, or essentials — say so. Ask for a lower amount. It is your right.

PAYMENT BREAKS OR REDUCTIONS

You can ask for a temporary pause on payments, or reduced payments for a set period, while you get back on your feet. They are not allowed to refuse this without good reason — especially if you’ve communicated openly and honestly.

MORE TIME TO PAY

Debt doesn’t have to be cleared in 3 months or 6 months. Ask for it to be spread over a longer period — 12 months, 24 months, whatever makes it manageable. The longer the timescale, the lower the monthly cost.

HARDSHIP FUNDS & GRANTS — FREE MONEY YOU DON'T PAY BACK

Nearly every major supplier runs a hardship fund — and these are grants, not loans. You do not pay them back:

•
• Others — ask your supplier directly what support funds they have available

You’ll usually need to complete a budget assessment first — often through Citizens Advice, National Debtline, or StepChange — but these are available to clear debt. Please apply.

PREPAYMENT METER PROTECTIONS

If you have a prepayment meter, or if they’re asking to install one:

• Temporary credit — they can add emergency credit if you can’t top up

• Friendly credit — you won’t be cut off evenings, weekends, or bank holidays

• Reduced repayment rate — ask them to lower the weekly debt recovery amount

• ⚠️ They cannot force a prepayment meter on you without following strict rules — including multiple contact attempts and a welfare visit. They absolutely cannot install one if it would be unsafe or impractical for your household.

BREATHING SPACE — THE DEBT RESPITE SCHEME

If you’re in England or Wales, you can apply for Breathing Space — up to 60 days of protection where all debt collection stops, interest and charges are frozen, and they cannot install a prepayment meter without your permission. You just need a debt adviser to refer you — Citizens Advice, StepChange, or National Debtline can do this for you.

🫶PRIORITY SERVICES REGISTER

If anyone in your household is elderly, disabled, chronically unwell, or has young children — get on the Priority Services Register immediately. It’s free, and it gives you extra protections: no disconnection at vulnerable times, free meter readings, extra support, and priority in emergencies.

⚠️ MY KEY RULES — WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU

If they refuse to offer you something affordable — they are breaking Ofgem rules. You have the right to:

• A fair, realistic repayment plan — based on your budget, not theirs

• Accurate, clear bills — no unexplained estimates

• Be treated with respect — no harassment, no aggressive letters

• Free advice and hardship support — they must signpost you to help

• Disconnection is a last resort ONLY — they must try every other option first and communicate 10 times before they change you to a prepayment meter.

• You can never be disconnected between October and March if you have vulnerable household members — and never without following a strict legal process so don’t forget to sign up to the PSR.

📣 FINAL THOUGHTS FROM ME

After over 20 years in this industry, I can tell you one thing for certain: suppliers are required to help you — but you have to ask. So many people are embarrassed or scared to pick up the phone — but there is no shame in needing help. That is exactly what these schemes, these funds, and these rules are there for.

Check your bills, check your tariff, check your rights — and then pick up the phone. Be firm, be honest, and never agree to something you genuinely cannot afford. If they say no — push back. If they still say no — complain. You have more power than you think — and I’m right here beside you.

♥️Save my guide — share it with someone who needs it. Knowledge is power. Power to the people ♥️

Gemma

📢 DUMMY'S GUIDE TO ENERGY: Everything You Need To Know — Gemma Hatvani FOLLOW ME 💗🎯 THE  #1 RULE — MEMORISE THIS!❌ NEVER...
24/09/2026

📢 DUMMY'S GUIDE TO ENERGY: Everything You Need To Know — Gemma Hatvani FOLLOW ME 💗

🎯 THE #1 RULE — MEMORISE THIS!

❌ NEVER Compare by Direct Debit Amount

✅ ALWAYS Compare Unit Rates + Standing Charges (inc. VAT)

"I say this every single day — all day, every day. I’d say it in my sleep." 🛌

THE TRUTH NO ONE TELLS YOU — STOP PAYING MORE THAN YOU NEED TO

So many of you have asked me to put this together. I’m the person who sees the tricks, crunches the numbers, and fights for you every single day. Follow my profile, channels, and community — I post daily guidance, and the full guide will land there first. This is a work in progress, but these facts are urgent — Please read them now.

WHAT IS THE ENERGY PRICE CAP?

Let me be crystal clear: The price cap is NOT a cap on your bill. It is a cap on unit rates and standing charges for standard variable/default tariffs only. It does NOT mean your energy will cost a fixed amount per year — your actual bill depends entirely on how much energy you use.

• Set by Ofgem (the energy regulator)

• Reviewed every 3 months — January, April, July, October

• Only applies to standard variable/default tariffs — it does NOT apply to fixed deals or tracker tariffs

• If you're on a fixed deal — the price cap does not affect you at all until your fixed term ends

What it actually is: a cap on unit rates & standing charges for variable/default tariffs only

• Who it applies to: variable/default customers only — fixed deals & trackers are NOT protected

• Where to find the latest cap figures — and how they translate to YOUR home 🏠

• ❌ What it’s NOT: NOT a cap on your total bill — NOT a "maximum you’ll pay"

📅 PRICE CAP CHANGES — WHAT'S HAPPENING & WHEN

🗓️ 1 OCTOBER 2026 — CONFIRMED INCREASE

• New cap level: £1,723/year (up 4% / +£60 from July–September)

• Gas unit rate: rises from 7.33p → 7.97p per kWh

• Gas standing charge: 29.68p/day (slight increase)

• Electricity unit rate: 26.32p per kWh — VAT removed from electricity Oct–Dec 2026, so this already reflects that reduction

• Electricity standing charge: 54.83p/day (slight drop)

• Bottom line: Higher gas costs are driving this increase — households that use more gas will feel it most

🗓️ JANUARY 2027 — PREDICTED TO RISE AGAIN

• Early forecasts suggest the cap could rise significantly — one estimate points toward £2,118/year (+£395 vs October)

• Important: These are predictions, not confirmed — Ofgem will announce the actual December cap in late November

• Why this matters: If you're on a variable/default tariff, your rates could jump again in January — this is exactly why fixing or switching needs careful thought

How Your Bill Is Calculated (The Simple Math)

• Daily Standing Charge = fixed cost every single day, whether you use energy or not

• Unit Rate = cost per kWh — what you pay for every unit you actually use

• Total Bill = (Daily SC × Days) + (kWh Used × Unit Rate) + VAT

• Direct debit ≠ your actual cost — it’s just a payment plan, not the price

How To Read Your Bill — Exactly What To Look For

• Where to find: gas & electricity unit rates + standing charges (including VAT) on your bill or energy account.

• Your annual usage (kWh) — not just pounds — this is how you compare deals fairly

• Payment vs usage — what you’ve paid vs what you’ve actually used (the difference builds credit or debt)

• Estimated vs actual reads — ⚠️ "E" means estimated — this is where bills go wrong! Always submit your own reads.

• Exit fees, contract end date, and when your fixed deal expires

How To Compare Deals Properly — Step-by-Step

1. Write down YOUR current rates: gas + electricity unit rate + standing charge (both, with VAT)

2. Get the NEW supplier’s exact same figures

3. Multiply by YOUR typical usage (don’t use their estimate!)

4. Add standing charges × 365 days

5. Include exit fees from old deal + any sign-up fees

6. Only then compare totals — never look at monthly payment figures first

Octopus Tracker or do I fix?

My honest advice:

• Choose FIXED if: You want peace of mind, you're on a tight budget, or you're worried about January's predicted price rise. A good fixed deal now locks in rates before any winter spike.

• Choose TRACKER if: You understand the risk, you can monitor prices, you use less energy in winter, and you're willing to see higher bills during cold snaps. Never choose Tracker if price spikes would cause you genuine financial stress — the safety limit is 100p/kWh, not 26p/kWh.

🚨 THE #1 RULE I REPEAT EVERY SINGLE DAY — NEVER BREAK THIS

NEVER compare energy by direct debit alone. I say it all day, every day — I'd say it in my sleep. Direct debit is just an estimate. Your actual cost comes from unit rates and standing charges, including VAT. Always compare those numbers, not the monthly payment figure.

The Jane Example — Don't Be Jane:

Jane pays E.ON £120/month. EDF offers £100/month. Jane thinks she saves £240/year and switches. She pays an exit fee, only to discover the unit rates and standing charges are actually higher. She now pays more every month — and lost money on the exit fee too.

💡 MY TOP TIP

Always compare unit rates and standing charges — NEVER, EVER compare only the direct debit amount.

The monthly payment figure is just an estimate — it tells you nothing about the true cost. Your actual bill depends entirely on unit rates + standing charges (including VAT). A lower‑looking direct debit can easily hide higher rates that cost you hundreds more over time. Compare the rates, not the payment — every single time.

🚨 BEWARE UNQUALIFIED SALES REPS — NOT EVERYONE HAS YOUR BACK

Right now, countless people are pushing you to switch who are unqualified and have no real industry knowledge. They are simply sales reps — for example, Utility Warehouse reps earn hundreds of pounds in commission per sign-up. The deal they pitch might be cheaper — or it might cost you more. Their priority is commission, not your bill.

💡 REAL DEAL INSIGHT — FOR HIGHER GAS USERS

• 5.78p/kWh gas fixed for 2 years — exceptionally strong unit rate right now, even with a higher standing charge

• If your annual gas usage is above average, the unit-rate savings will easily outweigh the extra daily standing charge — potentially £200+ saved over 2 years

• Golden rule: Always calculate based on your actual usage, not headline prices

• Fixing now locks you in before October's rise and any January spike — that's not just saving money, it's buying peace of mind

📌 YOUR ACTION PLAN — WHAT TO DO NEXT

1. Follow my profile & channels — the full Dummy's Guide is coming, plus daily updates, deal checks, and scam warnings

Join 👇

https://www.messenger.com/channel/gemma.hatvani/AbZStVfbgNExJ-Bv/

2. Check your bill TODAY — write down your current unit rates and standing charges (including VAT)

3. If you're on variable/default: Consider fixing SOONER rather than later — January's predicted rise could be significant

4. If considering Tracker: Ask yourself — could I afford my bill if rates doubled this winter? If the answer is no, stick with fixed

5. Before you switch ANYTHING — ask me first. Drop your details in the community — I'll help you crunch the numbers for free, no commission, no bias, just honest maths

💡 TOP TIP NUMBER 2

Always compare unit rates and standing charges — NEVER, EVER compare only the direct debit amount.

The monthly payment figure is just an estimate — it tells you nothing about the true cost. Your actual bill depends entirely on unit rates + standing charges (including VAT). A lower‑looking direct debit can easily hide higher rates that cost you hundreds more over time. Compare the rates, not the payment — every single time.

📌 Glossary — No Jargon

• kWh = kilowatt-hour — one unit of energy

• Standing Charge — daily fixed fee, like a line rental

• FIXED Direct Debit — payment plan, NOT your actual cost. This changes based on your usage and debt.

• Price Cap = Ofgem’s maximum rates for variable tariffs

• SMETS2 — second-gen smart meter (works with all suppliers)

• Exit Fee — penalty for leaving a fixed deal early (usually £25–£75 per fuel)

I'm Gemma. I've been in this industry. I know the tricks. And I'm on YOUR side. Your money, your home, your choice — always informed, never rushed.

👇 FOLLOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY — because no one should navigate energy bills alone.

♥️
24/09/2026

♥️

📢 WHY "FIXED DIRECT DEBIT" IS A MISLEADING TERM — AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW INSTEADHi everyone, this morning I was drivi...
24/09/2026

📢 WHY "FIXED DIRECT DEBIT" IS A MISLEADING TERM — AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW INSTEAD

Hi everyone, this morning I was driving my daughter to college and on the way home I started thinking about some comments shared in the community today — and I felt I really needed to speak up about this. I absolutely hate the term "fixed direct debit" — it’s misleading, and it gives people a completely false idea of what it actually means.

Some people naturally assume that if it’s called "fixed", it means you can use as much energy as you like for the same price — and that is not true at all. I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years. I’ve had tens of thousands of conversations, emails, and messages with customers — and time and time again, people believe exactly what the name implies. That confusion costs people dearly, and it needs to stop.

❌ "FIXED DIRECT DEBIT" SHOULD JUST BE CALLED "DIRECT DEBIT"

In an ideal world, we’d all be on a variable direct debit — because that means you simply pay for what you actually use. If you submit regular meter readings — or have a smart meter sending them automatically — you get an accurate bill for exactly what you’ve consumed, and you pay the full amount each time. That way, you never fall behind, you never build up hidden debt, and you stay in full control of your account.

MY TOP TIP: If you have a smart meter but your bill says "estimated" — call your supplier immediately. Say: "This should NOT be estimated — here is my actual meter reading, with a photo attached." Millions of smart meters are sadly not sending readings properly — so don’t assume it’s working just because it’s there.

Direct debits

Option 1: Variable Direct Debit — PAY FOR WHAT YOU USE

• Your payment changes each month based on actual usage

• Submit readings monthly → accurate bill → pay the real amount

• No debt builds up, no nasty surprises

• Best for anyone who can budget flexibly

Option 2: Fixed Direct Debit — A BUDGETING / REPAYMENT PLAN

• This is not a price guarantee — it’s a payment plan

• It’s designed to spread costs evenly — and often to repay debt over 1–3 years

• Your supplier calculates a figure based on estimated usage + any outstanding debt

• They will review and increase it if your usage goes up — so it’s not actually fixed

• Only recommended if you’re in debt and need a manageable repayment schedule

Please note: a standing order is NOT an official payment arrangement unless you have agreed a formal payment plan with your energy company and they have given you permission to pay this way.

If you simply set one up on your own as a way to pay, it is not legally recognised as an agreed payment plan. Always refer to the terms and conditions of your contract — I see so many people set up a standing order independently and then wonder why they are still being chased for debt.

Never set yourself up to fail.

Never agree to a direct debit you know you can’t sustain. Setting it at £500 when you can’t afford it only sets you up to fail — and you’ll end up in more trouble. Be honest with yourself: work out what you use, work out what you can afford, and reduce usage where you can.

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t walk into a supermarket, fill a trolley, and say "I can only pay a quarter of this — I’ll pay the rest later." That wouldn’t happen. With energy, we all need to be just as mindful of what we’re using. If you can’t afford the usage, reduce the consumption first.

IMPORTANT: Please don’t go without heating and let your home get cold and damp. If you can, buy a dehumidifier — it helps keep mould down. Heat the person, not the whole house — layer up, use hot water bottles, keep one room warm rather than the entire property. Look after yourselves — financial sense should never come at the cost of your health.

🚨 CONCERN ABOUT OVO ENERGY

I’ve raised this directly with OVO Energy — they’ve removed the option for a variable direct debit, and in my view that’s absolutely ridiculous. Every customer should have the right to choose how they pay. I’ve spoken with their Vulnerability Manager and I’m pushing for that option to be restored. I’ll keep you all updated.

FINAL THOUGHT

The term "fixed direct debit" needs to go — it’s misleading thousands of people into thinking they’re protected when they’re not. It’s not a fixed price — it’s a fixed payment amount, which can and will change. Know which one you’re on, know what you’re paying for, and always — always — check your readings.

Gemma Hatvani

Director

Energy Support & Advice UK

Support My Switch

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South Shields
NE334TH

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