Direct Debit Check
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Energy Direct Debit Checker
Enter your current monthly direct debit and your actual energy usage to see whether you are overpaying your supplier or underpaying and building up debt. Based on the Ofgem price cap rates for April–June 2026 — enter your own rates from your bill for an exact result.
Tip! — Check your latest energy bill for your unit rate (p/kWh), standing charge (p/day), and actual monthly usage (kWh). These are all you need for an accurate result.
| Fuel | |
| Current Monthly Direct Debit (£) | |
| Monthly Electricity Usage (kWh) | |
| Electricity Unit Rate (p/kWh) | |
| Electricity Standing Charge (p/day) | |
| Monthly Gas Usage (kWh) | |
| Gas Unit Rate (p/kWh) | |
| Gas Standing Charge (p/day) |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Run calculation to see breakdown | ||
GUIDE
How to Check If Your Direct Debit Is Correct
Step-by-step guide to working out whether your supplier's direct debit matches your actual usage — and what to do if it doesn't.
Read Guide →How to Use the Direct Debit Checker
Step-by-Step
- Select your fuel type — dual fuel, electricity only, or gas only. Inputs will update accordingly.
- Enter your current monthly direct debit — find this on your bank statement or energy account. The Ofgem typical average of £136.75 is pre-filled.
- Enter your monthly usage — find this on your latest energy bill in kWh. Ofgem typical averages are pre-filled for reference.
- Enter your unit rate and standing charge — from your bill in p/kWh and p/day. April 2026 Ofgem price cap averages are pre-filled.
- Click Check My Direct Debit — see your actual monthly cost, whether you are over or underpaying, and the annual impact.
Why Your Direct Debit May Not Match Your Usage
Energy suppliers set your direct debit based on an estimate of your annual energy consumption, divided into equal monthly payments. If your actual usage is lower than their estimate you will overpay and build up credit. If it is higher you will underpay and build up debt — which your supplier will eventually correct by raising your direct debit or issuing a catch-up bill.
When to Check
It is worth checking your direct debit against actual usage at least once a year — ideally after a full 12 months of bills so you have an accurate annual consumption figure. Also check after any major change in usage: moving to a new property, adding a new appliance, installing solar panels, or changing your heating system.
What to Do If You Are in Credit
If the checker shows you are overpaying, you have two options. You can request a reduction in your direct debit going forward, or request a refund of your existing credit balance. Suppliers are required to process refunds promptly. A large credit balance sitting with your supplier earns you nothing — it is your money and you are entitled to it back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my direct debit is too high?
Compare your monthly direct debit against your actual energy cost — unit rate × monthly kWh plus standing charges. If your direct debit is higher than this figure you are building up credit with your supplier. This tool does that calculation for you.
Can I ask my supplier to reduce my direct debit?
Yes. If you are consistently in credit and your direct debit is higher than your actual usage cost, contact your supplier and request a reduction. You can also ask for a refund of any existing credit balance — suppliers must process this promptly.
What is the average monthly energy direct debit in the UK?
Based on the Ofgem price cap of £1,641 per year for typical dual fuel consumption from April to June 2026, the average monthly direct debit for a typical household is around £136.75. Your figure will differ based on your actual usage and region.
Why does my direct debit go up even when I haven't used more energy?
Suppliers review direct debits periodically — often annually — and adjust them based on actual usage to date and forecast usage going forward. If energy prices have risen since your last review your direct debit may also be increased to reflect higher unit rates even if consumption is the same.
What if I have a large credit balance?
You are entitled to request a full refund of any credit balance from your supplier at any time. Suppliers are required to refund credit promptly on request. There is no benefit to leaving a large credit balance sitting with your supplier — it earns no interest and is simply your money.