Have you overpaid? Get your money back

IF YOU have overpaid for gas and electricity, demand a refund of any credit.

Provide and keep records of actual meter readings rather than relying on estimated ones from suppliers. This will avoid giving suppliers leverage in billing disputes, as some of the onus is on customers when it comes to accurate billing.

If you are owed a refund from an old supplier after switching away it should be paid within ten days of receiving a final bill – otherwise you are entitled to automatic compensation of £30. This is thanks to new Ofgem rules introduced earlier this year (it does not apply to customers transferred from a failed supplier).

Anyone subjected to unreasonable direct debit increases can contact their supplier and demand that payments are reviewed and amended.

Suppliers acting unfairly can be referred to the Energy Ombudsman, which settles disputes between providers and customers. Visit ombudsman-services.org/energy or call 0330 440 1624.

Switching to a new provider offering a cheaper tariff is the most effective way to save money on bills – but take care in choosing one to avoid becoming stuck in limbo if the company goes bust.

Check how suppliers are rated on customer service at citizensadvice.org.uk.

It is easy to find cheaper deals with the help of comparison websites such as TheEnergyShop and uSwitch. Alternatively, consider joining one of the new breed of autoswitching services, which compare deals on your behalf and move you onto cheaper tariffs automatically. They include Switchcraft, Switchd and Look After My Bills.