Energy Company Switch - Managing DD to Avoid Excess Credit at Switch Date

[Consumer40]

My fixed term energy contract ends later this month & I have initiated a

switch.

 

 

The existing supplier has not supplied a bill in the 11 months I have been with

them but it is a relatively simple fixed rate tariff & so I am confident

that my own spreadsheet calculates what I owe.

 

 

In fact I calculate that I am currently slightly in credit but by

switchover date I will owe about £10. Coincidentally my DD for £60 will

probably go out the day before the switch - so they will then owe me £50.

Unfortunately the company seems to have a terrible reputation for getting

round to refunding credits. It seems their computers systems are in a

mess.

 

 

I have considered cancelling the final DD and settling the outstanding

£10 separately - but I understand that this might give them grounds to

halt the switch (if they notice in time).

 

 

So I am considering speaking to them before the switch and making it

clear that I am only authorising them to take such an amount as is

necessary to clear the account. If they then take £60 & don't refund the

over-payment promptly would I then by justified in claiming that the

final £60 was not taken in accordance with my instructions & re-claiming

it via the DD guarantee?

[CrappoMan]

If you are sure you will only owe about £10 by the time of the switch, why not pay them £11 now and cancel the DD. If they notice the DD has been cancelled, you shouldn't be in debit so no reason to halt the switch. If the halt it anyway you can then go to town on them.