Energy customers who pay by Direct Debit told to check money has been taken this month

People paying energy bills by Direct Debit have been urged to check money was taken from bank account this month. Advice Direct Scotland has warned billing problems are its most common complaint and is encouraging customers to regularly check the accuracy of their statements.

It comes after Scottish Power was ordered to repay punters with refunds amid the Cost of Living crisis - after "overcharging" them. Hazel Knowles, energy lead for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “While any redress is welcome, and those ScottishPower customers affected should have already been compensated, this underlines the importance of checking your bills.

“With the cost of living crisis far from over, demand for help across Scotland with energy bills has never been higher and is the most pressing reason for people getting in touch. It is vital that people look at what they are paying and keep a close eye on the energy market.

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"Taking regular meter readings and checking the level of your direct debit are as important as ever. If you have a smart meter, make sure it's working.” She added: “The important thing to remember is that nobody should struggle alone, and help is available.

"Our energyadvice.scot service provides free, practical advice on the support and assistance available, such as grants, and ensures that people can access all entitled benefits.” Scottish Power is to pay £1.5m in refunds and compensation after overcharging nearly 1,700 households.

It came at the height of the energy crisis. Dan Norton, the Ofgem deputy director for price protection, said: “The last few years have been challenging enough for energy customers facing increasing cost of living pressures, without the additional hardship of being overcharged. The price cap is there to protect consumers, and we take seriously any breaches of the safeguards we have put in place.

“Suppliers must be vigilant and act quickly to resolve billing errors that impact customers. We will continue to closely monitors all suppliers and will hold them to account if they do not meet the standards we set.”