Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to prevent energy companies from building up large amounts of credit in customer accounts as a result of direct debits.

According to Ofgem guidance, suppliers should review credit balances every six months to avoid an excessive build-up of credit. Ofgem have conducted a series of Market Compliance Reviews, including on direct debit processes and performance, and has identified areas where suppliers need to improve.

Customers can ask their supplier to refund a credit balance at any time. Suppliers must do so promptly unless they have reasonable grounds not to.