Gransnet forums

Chat

Page 2 of 2 | First | Previous | Next | Last
| Flip | Customise |

D/D or monthly bill ?

(30 Posts)
Add comment | Report
Calendargirl Mon 21-Nov-22 13:31:41

Martin Lewis has always said that paying by DD is the most cost effective way of paying, probably meaning the standing charge and other stuff also.

Add comment | Report
Septimia Mon 21-Nov-22 13:06:33

Gosh, Maw, don't they make it complicated? A friend has had a similar experience and she isn't with Scottish Power. We are, but pay quarterly, having given up most direct debits when we moved here many years ago because we didn't have a regular income at the time (so couldn't be sure there'd be enough money in the bank account!). I'm still not sure what happens about our £66...

Add comment | Report
NotAGran55 Mon 21-Nov-22 12:56:50

I pay British Gas monthly by variable DD settling the exact amount of the bill each month, gas and electricity. No big credits or debits to worry about and the money stays in my bank.
The kWh tariff and standing charge are both less than the standard variable tariff too.
The £66 x 2 have both been credited to the account. Perfect scenario in my opinion.

Add comment | Report
Blossoming Mon 21-Nov-22 12:44:43

I increased our DD to try and cover any increases as I didn’t want any nasty shocks. Some Grans said I was silly to do it but I had made my mind up. Now I’m glad, I have enough credit to cover the bill due in a few weeks and hopefully no big rise after the December review.

I realise that doesn’t help you Maw and I’m sorry you find yourself in an even worse position. I hope they have overestimated and your DD is reduced again.

Add comment | Report
MawtheMerrier Mon 21-Nov-22 12:35:05

Whose bright idea was this?
I was in credit by £500 with Scottish Power so I asked for it back. ✔️
I was told my D/D would increase as there was no longer a “cushion” in their favour so I said Fine, I’ll cancel my D/D and pay a monthly bill.
What Martin Lewis didn’t say was that you pay a higher rate and standing charge on monthly bills and I couldn’t credit my £66. from the government against my bill.
So I sighed and said I would reinstate the D/D.
I had to wait (according to SP until a clear 48 hours ) and they would ring me back today.
Done it all and blow me the D/D has been further increased! So the government give me £66 with one hand and Scottish Power take it back and then some with the other - “estimating” my future usage. Humbug!
Fuming!
I complained that my paper bill said the increased D/D would be £246 so how come less than a week later they were “estimating” £265?
I have a smart meter too but am failing to see any advantage except that I can see what I am using so I turn everything off and sit in the gloom and throw an extra dog on the bed.
I should have left well alone.

Page 2 of 2 | First | Previous | Next | Last
| Flip | Customise |