Energy firms owe us £1.7bn

ENERGY firms are keeping £1.7billion of customers’ cash with half of them in credit, a survey found.

The average owed is £85 with one in eight having more than a £100 surplus.

Just a fifth of customers asked for a cut in direct debit payments, switch service weflip revealed.

It said: “While some will be happy to carry a small surplus to offset higher winter bills, millions would rather the money was in their bank account.”

Users should demand payment reviews and prompt refunds, it said.