Bill payers are being urged to reclaim credit sitting in their accounts as the scale of overpayment reaches record highs. New data for 2025 reveals that 1.9 million closed energy accounts still contain unused credit, and UK energy suppliers are currently holding more than £3 billion in unused customer funds. Reclaiming this money is a vital step in managing household liquidity during the current financial climate.

Nearly a third of UK households (32%) remain in credit to their energy supplier year-round. However, distribution data now shows an even more pressing issue: 25% of households are currently paying an extra £655 or more per year above the standard price cap. This is frequently driven by overestimated direct debits or being placed in high-usage percentiles that don't reflect actual consumption.

For Q1 2026, the average dual-fuel bill for a typical household is projected to be £154 per month (approximately £1,843 per year). Under these latest price projections, the unit cost of electricity is expected to be 27.69p/kWh, while gas will be 5.93p/kWh. Knowing these benchmarks is essential for calculating whether your monthly direct debit is set at an accurate level.

The pressure group is urging Britons to join their Big Energy Credit Claim Back campaign, saying early summer is the perfect time to reset direct debit payments for the year ahead.

Warm This Winter spokesperson Fiona Waters said: “Energy companies are sitting on over £3 billion of bill payers’ money whilst providing an appalling service in many cases and making billions in profits.

“The Big Energy Claim Back is a way people who pay by direct debit can issue a wake up call to companies that customers are not prepared to be ripped off anymore and demand energy suppliers provide a fit for purpose service."

Research by the campaign suggests 38% of those in permanent credit for their gas and electricity bills live in households with low incomes and may have cut back on energy use or other essentials because the direct debits set by energy firms are too high.

While it can be sensible to build up credit over the summer months to pay for higher energy use over winter, customer credit balances are not accurate enough, experts, such as Martin Lewis, have said.

Already more than 12,000 people have pledged to take part in the revolt, which has been launched in collaboration with political activist group 38 Degrees.

Matthew McGregor, CEO at 38 Degrees, said: “Claiming back the cash we’ve been overcharged is a simple way for busy people to show energy companies they are sick of this broken energy system."

Simon Francis coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition added: “Of course, customers should use caution when claiming back as their direct debits may be increased by their energy firm - but making sure a supplier has a regular meter reading is the best way to ensure accurate bills.”

Warm This Winter has published a guide with advice on how to reclaim energy bill credit as well as what to watch out for.

The group is keen to stress to customers not to cancel their direct debits completely as they may be moved onto a higher tariff.

The group has issued the following guidance for consumers:

• Ensure your meter readings are up to date.

• Check your energy bill or online account and see whether you are in credit or debit.

• If you are in credit, contact your energy company to request it back.

An Ofgem spokeswoman said: "Most customers build up credit during the warmer summer months which helps spread costs through the cold winter months when they use more energy.

"However, while reasonable credit balances can help people manage their bills, consumers have the right to request credit back and should discuss their individual circumstances with their supplier.

"If customers are requesting credit is returned but not receiving it, they should complain to the supplier and then the independent Energy Ombudsman."

When choosing a payment method, it is important to account for the levelisation charge introduced in April 2024. This regulation ensures that direct debit and prepayment customers pay the same standing charge. As a result, direct debit customers now pay approximately £10 more per year to subsidise this equality. This change has narrowed the traditional 'discount' associated with paying by direct debit.

Note: Note that as of 2026, direct debit is no longer the cheapest method in every category; prepayment unit rates (variable charges) are now 3.1% cheaper per kWh than direct debit rates.

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