Financial guru Martin Lewis has urged households to check they are not being over charged by their energy supplier as the price cap forced bills up by 54 per cent.
This comes after the Money Saving Expert heard from bill payers who said their direct debits have jumped from £86 to a staggering £251 - over the price cap.
Ofgem announced the price cap earlier this year that will see an extra £693 added to the yearly average bill for those on Direct Debit. While those who use pre-payment meters will see an extra £708 added to their bill.
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The price cap, as Martin warns, does not cap the amount they charge households. If you use more, you will be charged more and vice versa.
However, he warns that some firms are taking opportunity of the price rise, charging customers double, rather than 54 per cent.
Martin Lewis has urged households to check they are not being overcharged by their energy supplier - and explained three reasons why your bill might have hugely increased.
As the Mirror reports, the consumer champion spoke on ITV This Morning earlier this week, and explained there are three reasons why you could be experiencing a sharp spike in direct debit payments.
He said: "If he was on a cheap fix and his cheap fix ended and he's now moved to the price cap, that would explain the much bigger rise than the 54 per cent price cap rise.
"The second is...he was on the price cap and has moved to a fixed deal as those are more expensive than the price cap.
“Possibly because they want to future proof against rises in October.
"If he's in credit, that should not be happening," He added.
Customers who are in debt should expect higher direct debit payments but not those in credit.
"If it doesn't add up, then tell them you do not accept the direct debit being put up that much and come to a figure that is more appropriate with the 54 per cent rise," advised Martin.
If you’re still convinced that you’re being overcharged, you can make a formal complaint to the energy ombudsman.
