EDF Energy to automatically refund credit to customers

EDF Energy has announced that it will give direct debit customers a full annual refund of any credit built up on their energy account.

It is the first big six supplier to make this move and comes after allegations of suppliers sitting on customers’ credits for their own benefit.
 
Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com, says: “This is a welcome move by EDF Energy. The issue of energy suppliers benefitting from credits on customer accounts and failing to respond to requests to refund them was turning into a bone of contention. This step will reassure customers about making the move to paying by direct debit, safe in the knowledge that they will get a ‘no quibbles’ refund if their account goes into the black. We would now urge other suppliers to follow suit.
 
“However, it’s also important that these refunds don’t result in consumers falling into debt. Our advice to EDF Energy customers is to provide regular meter readings to ensure that they don’t fall behind and, if they do start to see a debt on their account, to contact their supplier immediately so that their direct debit can be adjusted.
 
“EDF Energy’s move follows npower’s commitment to waive daily standing charges for flood victims. It is starting to look like energy suppliers are turning a page in terms of listening to their customers and responding in the right way. We look forward to seeing more of these types of initiatives and would also urge other suppliers to follow suit.”