You could be sitting on hundreds of pounds in unused energy credit without realising it.
Ofgem says you can ask your supplier to refund surplus credit on a live energy account. Your supplier must refund credit promptly unless it has reasonable grounds not to.
This matters because many people built up large Direct Debit balances during the energy crisis, when suppliers increased monthly payments to protect against rising costs and debt.
Energy Bill Credit Refunds: What has actually been confirmed?
Ofgem says you can request a refund if your energy account is in credit.
Your supplier must refund the money promptly unless it has a reasonable reason not to. That reason could include missing meter readings, expected winter usage, recent account debt or concerns that your future payments would become too low.
Ofgem also has rules for closed accounts. If you switch supplier or move home, your old supplier must issue a final bill and return any credit balance within set timeframes.
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You can check Ofgem’s official guidance here: Ofgem energy bill credit refund guidance.
Energy Bill Credit Refunds: Why you may have built up credit
Direct Debit energy payments are designed to spread your annual costs evenly across the year.
This means you may pay more than you use during warmer months and less than you use during winter.
A moderate credit balance can be normal, especially before colder months. However, a very large credit balance may be worth challenging if it is much higher than your expected usage.
Energy Bill Credit Refunds: How do you know if you are owed money?
Check your latest energy bill or online account.
Your balance should show whether you are in credit or debit. If your account says you are “in credit”, you have paid more than your supplier currently believes you owe.
Before asking for a refund, submit up-to-date meter readings. This helps make sure your balance is based on real usage rather than estimates.
Energy Bill Credit Refunds: What happens if you switch supplier?
If you switch supplier or move home, your old supplier should issue a final bill and refund any credit balance.
You should not have to chase indefinitely for money left on a closed account.
If the supplier delays your final bill or refund beyond the required timescales, compensation may apply under energy guaranteed standards.
Energy Bill Credit Refunds: Should you always request a refund?
Not always.
If winter is approaching or your usage is likely to rise, keeping some credit on your account may help smooth future bills.
However, your supplier should be able to explain clearly why it wants to keep your money. It should not hold a large balance without a proper reason.
Energy Bill Credit Refunds: What should you do if your supplier refuses?
If your supplier refuses to refund your credit, ask for the reason in writing.
Ask them to explain your annual usage estimate, the meter readings used, your expected future costs and when your account will next be reviewed.
If you still think the decision is unfair, make a formal complaint. If the complaint is not resolved, you can escalate it to the Energy Ombudsman.
Energy Bill Credit Refunds: Your practical next steps
Check your latest gas and electricity bills to see whether your account is currently in credit.
Submit up-to-date meter readings before requesting a refund.
Ask your supplier to explain how your Direct Debit was calculated.
If you recently switched supplier or moved home, check whether your old supplier issued a final bill and returned any remaining balance.
Keep copies of bills, account screenshots and refund requests in case you need to complain later.
Useful official guidance: Ofgem energy refund guidance, Energy Ombudsman, and GOV.UK help with energy bills.
People Also Ask…
Can you ask your supplier to refund energy credit?
Yes. Ofgem says suppliers must refund credit promptly unless they have reasonable grounds not to.
What counts as reasonable grounds for refusing a refund?
Your supplier may refuse temporarily if your future usage is expected to rise, meter readings are inaccurate, or your account risks falling into debt.
How long does a supplier have to refund money after switching?
Your supplier must normally refund credit after issuing your final bill within the required timeframe.
Can you receive compensation for delayed refunds?
Yes. Compensation protections can apply if suppliers fail to meet guaranteed standards for final bills and refunds on closed accounts.
Should you always withdraw energy credit balances?
No. Some credit can help smooth winter bills, so consider your expected future usage before requesting a refund.
