Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what data his department holds on the number of energy supply customers whose direct debit was increased by 100 per cent or more between 1 February and 30 April 2022.

The Department does not collect this data. Suppliers should ensure that their billing and payment arrangements are effective and fair. The regulator, Ofgem, monitors and enforces compliance with the licence obligations on suppliers.

Customers can challenge an increased direct debit amount and their supplier must justify how they calculated the new amount and the meter readings they have used.