They are, presumably, looking for a zero balance at review in April 2011. If you assume that your pattern of usage is the same next 12 months as the last 12 months and that you are on the same tariff then £46.5 pm would leave you with a debit balance of £100 - divide this by 12 to get zero by next April = approx. extra £8.50 pm ie £55 pm! I agree that this Winter was exceptionally cold so its probably too much of an increase but compared with the increases some people are reporting as requested by Utility companies ...not too bad!

This "new" habit which Utility companies have adopted of a Spring review annoys me as they now will build up a relatively large credit balance by November which will be drawn down (or not!) by the following April. I switched last September and set the DDs to acheive balance this September (I currently have a large debit balance); my utility provider assured me they would not seek to acheive a zero balance this April but April 2011 so I'm expecting a letter anyday soon!!

Twee:

I understand the point you are making but to win the argument you need to represent your case much better than posted.

The single most important thing is to know your historical annual consumption in kWhrs. Then either manually calculate your annual costs or much more easily use a Consumer Focus accredited comparison website for your specific area and tariff. Then compare that with your historic and future monthly payment.

The next issue is whether SP have performed the scheduled annual recalculation or an interim recalculation. Other things for you to consider is whether your specific tariff has changed (or not). Next, you say you are now "£50 in debt" without saying whether the last readings were actual or estimated. Anyway its not "debt", its a "debit balance".

Finally be aware that SP has introduced a scheme promising money back at recalculation if the surplus is excessive.

You may or may not have a point but its impossible to tell from the information posted. I suggest you email SP asking for the calculation. When I did that I got a very clear explanation which I couldn't find fault with.

I am on an ONLINE tarriff for dual fuel with SP and have been paying £46.50 per month - for the last 12 months

After the last 3 months (a LOT of gas/heating/cold weather) - I am now £50 in debt and SP have informed me that they are increasing my DD to £55 - On average (over the last 12 months) - I have been £100 in credit with them - The coming 6 months should be low energy consumption - so I feel agrieved that they are raising my bill - especially when, they claim, to be reducing costs

Comments please......