Calculator

Is your energy direct debit right?

Put in your usage, your tariff and today’s balance. We walk your account through the next twelve months, winter included, and show what your payment should be and how much credit you can safely have back.

Verified: 23 October 2026 from Ofgem price cap and published supplier forecasts
How is this calculated?

1. How much energy you use

Don’t know? The electricity and gas analysers work it out from your smart meter download. Until you change them, these are Ofgem’s typical home: 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas.

2. What you pay for it

Your tariff
Where the price cap goes

These start at the price cap rates. Use your own tariff’s if they differ; on a time-of-use tariff, use your average electricity rate. Electricity is zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027, so enter today’s prices: we add the 5% back from April.

3. Your account today

Independent calculator. We don’t pass your details to installers. We don’t earn commission from the result. We update underlying rates monthly and source everything from authoritative public data. See the full methodology.

Common questions

Why am I in credit in summer and in debt in winter?
A direct debit charges the same every month, but you use far more energy in winter, mainly for heating. So a fair payment builds up credit through the summer and spends it in the winter. Being in credit in October is normal; the question is whether it is enough, or too much, for the winter ahead. This checker works that out from today’s balance.
Can I get my energy credit back?
Yes. Ofgem’s rules say your supplier must refund your credit when you ask, unless it can give a clear reason not to. Ask for the amount you can spare: this checker shows how much you can take back now and still stay in credit through the winter at your current payment.
How do suppliers work out a direct debit?
Ofgem requires them to base it on the best information they have, including how much energy you use, and to explain the amount if you ask. Most aim for your balance to come back to about zero over a year. An estimated meter reading, an out-of-date usage figure or a coming price change are the usual reasons a payment looks wrong.
Should I pay more to stay in credit all year?
It is your choice. Paying enough to never owe money means holding more credit with your supplier, which you can ask to have back at any time. Paying the break-even amount keeps less of your money with them but means owing for part of the winter. This checker shows both amounts.