Your energy supplier could owe you a refund - here’s what to check

dailyrecord.co.uk:

It is estimated that 13 million homes across the UK are owed £1.7 billion by energy suppliers which has prompted one comparison website to put together a list of top tips advising consumers what steps they can take and how to apply for a refund.

Over 70 per cent of households pay energy bills by direct debit – a good thing, as it gets you the cheapest rates, however, it can give firms the chance to build up a reservoir of customers' money.

But this isn't simply a case of 'if you're in credit, you're owed cash'. To set up your direct debit, most energy firms take your annual cost and divide it by 12, smoothing out your yearly usage, so you avoid huge cost hikes or bill shocks in the high-usage winter period.