Energy account credit⚡

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Almost two million closed energy accounts in the UK are holding a combined £240 million that’s waiting to be reclaimed, according to figures from Ofgem.

If you’ve moved home or switched energy supplier in the past five years, it’s worth checking whether you’re owed a refund — even if you think it’s only a few pounds.

Some people, however, could be owed £100 or more.

This guide explains why energy refunds happen, how to check old and current accounts, when it makes sense to claim, and how to avoid scams.

What are energy bill refunds?

Energy bill refunds usually come from credit left on your account.

If you pay by monthly Direct Debit, your payments are based on an estimate of how much energy your supplier thinks you’ll use over the year. If you use less than expected, your account builds up credit — meaning your supplier owes you money.

Refunds can come from:

• old, closed energy accounts

• current accounts with excess credit

• accounts closed after switching supplier

• accounts closed after moving home

Why might you have credit in an old energy account?

Under Ofgem rules:

• suppliers must issue a final bill within six weeks

• refunds should then be paid within 10 working days

As a result, most people get their money back automatically.

According to industry body Energy UK, more than 90% of account balances are refunded without customers needing to do anything.

However, refunds can fail if:

• you moved home and your contact details changed

• you cancelled your Direct Debit early

• the supplier couldn’t reach you

• the account was closed years ago

In those cases, the money can sit unclaimed.

How much could you be owed?

For many people, the amount will be small — often just a few pounds.

But Ofgem says:

• some customers could be owed £50–£100+

• balances are most commonly from the past five years

• older accounts are less likely, but still worth checking

There’s no downside to checking, and it’s usually free.

How to check and reclaim credit from old energy accounts

Step 1: Log in to your old account (if possible)

If you still have access:

• log in and check your balance

• anything other than £0.00 could mean you’re owed money

• look for wording like “credit” or “CR”

Step 2: Contact your old supplier

If you can’t log in:

• contact the supplier directly (phone or web chat)

• explain you’re a former customer checking for credit

• provide:

  • your name

  • old address

  • contact details

  • account number (if you have it)

If credit exists, ask for it to be refunded and give your up-to-date details.

Can’t remember which supplier you were with?

Try:

• searching old emails or texts for bills

• checking saved passwords in your browser

• checking your credit report (old utility accounts sometimes show)

This often jogs people’s memory surprisingly quickly.

Credit on your current energy account

If you pay by Direct Debit, you might be in credit right now.

Suppliers may:

• refund credit at your annual review

• reduce your future Direct Debit payments

• leave the credit on your account

If they don’t refund it automatically, you can request a refund at any time.

When should you (and shouldn’t you) claim credit?

Before claiming, consider:

• whether winter bills are coming up

• whether keeping some credit helps smooth costs

• whether claiming it all back could leave you short later

Example

Your account shows £70 in credit in August.
Your monthly Direct Debit is £40.

You might reasonably ask for a £30 refund, leaving enough credit to cover winter usage.

After refunds: could you save money by switching?

Once you’ve reclaimed any credit you’re owed, it’s often worth checking whether you could lower your bills going forward by switching energy supplier.

Many people stay on:

• expensive standard variable tariffs

• outdated fixed deals

• or rates that no longer reflect the best options available

Switching doesn’t affect your supply — the gas and electricity stay the same — but the price and tariff can change.

Using a switching service (optional hands-off option)

One way to check is via a comparison and switching service like Switcheroo.

👉 Check if you can save by switching energy suppliers

How switching services work

Services like this:

• compare tariffs across multiple suppliers

• use your usage details to estimate costs

• highlight cheaper or better-value options

• handle the switch on your behalf if you proceed

You don’t usually pay them directly — suppliers typically cover the cost.

Pros and cons of using a switching service

Pros

• Quick and convenient

• Minimal effort

• Good overview of the market

• Handles the admin

Cons

• Not every tariff is always listed

• Some exclusive deals may not appear

• You’re trusting the service’s recommendations

A switching service can be a good option if you want something easy and hands-off.

You can also find switch bonuses yourself

If you’re happy doing a bit more legwork, you can sometimes earn extra bonuses by switching via referral deals.

You can see current energy switching offers and bonuses here:
👉 Share My Link – Utilities offers

This approach:

• can stack cashback or referral bonuses

• may beat standard comparison results

• takes a bit more time and effort

Some people prefer the convenience of a switching service; others prefer maximising bonuses themselves.

Beware of scams (important)

Ofgem does not contact customers directly about refunds or switching.

Be wary of:

• unsolicited calls

• texts or emails claiming to be from Ofgem or the Government

• links asking for bank or personal details

If in doubt:

• don’t click links

• don’t reply

• contact your supplier directly using official contact details

Final thoughts

Energy refunds and switching aren’t loopholes — they’re basic consumer rights and choices.

A sensible order is:

1. Check old accounts for credit

2. Review current account balances

3. Then see if switching could save you money

Whether you:

• reclaim a refund

• switch via a service

• or hunt down bonuses yourself

…the key is knowing your options and choosing what fits your situation.