{"id":67355,"date":"2023-10-05T12:48:57","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T12:48:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/talkcelnews.com\/?p=67355"},"modified":"2023-10-05T12:48:57","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T12:48:57","slug":"im-a-bills-expert-little-known-way-to-cut-energy-direct-debits-and-only-pay-for-what-you-use-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/talkcelnews.com\/lifestyle\/im-a-bills-expert-little-known-way-to-cut-energy-direct-debits-and-only-pay-for-what-you-use-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"I'm a bills expert – little-known way to cut energy direct debits and only pay for what you use | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

MILLIONS of households who pay their energy bills by direct debit could be unaware that they can choose how their payments are calculated.<\/p>\n

Even though bills\u00a0have fallen by \u00a3151 a year thanks to a drop in\u00a0Ofgem's price cap, households will still feel poorer heating their\u00a0homes\u00a0this\u00a0winter.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This is because the support the\u00a0government\u00a0offered last winter is not returning this time round.<\/p>\n

And the way in which you pay your bills also has a significant impact on your total costs.<\/p>\n

Luckily, if you pay by direct debit you'll be charged the lowest gas and electricity rates.<\/p>\n

However, the way in which a monthly direct debit is set varies by each supplier.<\/p>\n

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We spoke to Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, to find out how it's possible to only pay for what you use via a direct debit.<\/p>\n

Usually, when you sign up for a direct debit with your energy firm, you'll pay a fixed amount each month.<\/p>\n

Your energy company will work out the cost of your energy for the year ahead and divide this into equal payments.<\/p>\n

Most energy firms will use the average amount of gas and electricity used in previous years to calculate your monthly instalments.<\/p>\n

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With a fixed direct debit, you can spread the cost of your energy use without any surprises.<\/p>\n

You'll usually hold a credit on your account in the warmer months to balance out and debits generated from higher gas usage in the winter.<\/p>\n

But there is still a way to pay for exactly what you use each month without gaining credit or falling into debt.<\/p>\n

Ben said: "You can pay via variable direct debit, where you only pay for the amount of energy you use each month.<\/p>\n

"Those on variable direct debits may pay less for their energy during the summer months compared to people on fixed direct debits.\u00a0<\/p>\n

"However, this also means they could be paying more over the coldest months.\u00a0<\/p>\n

"Anyone wanting to pay by variable direct debit would ideally need a working smart meter or take very regular meter readings to ensure their bills are accurate."<\/p>\n

It's important to weigh up the benefits of paying in this way as it might not be the best method for all.<\/p>\n

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Ben said: "A variable tariff can be harder to budget for because it provides less certainty over what payments might be in future<\/span>, so it may not be the best option for everyone – although some households may prefer only paying for what they use."<\/p>\n

Contact your supplier directly and ask to be moved onto a variable direct debit.<\/p>\n

Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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