Signing up to an annual direct debit payment plan from your energy supplier is supposed to help prevent bill shock as your payments are spread equally throughout the year. But it might not work like that...
Time of use customers 'may overpay'

Energy customers reported confusion about off-peak times and rates
Many energy customers on "time of use" tariffs could be paying more than they should because they do not have storage heaters or use their appliances at the right time, a study has found.
More than a third (38%) of those signed up to the tariffs, which have peak and off-peak rates, do not have a storage heater in their home or fail to regularly use power at cheaper times and would be better off on alternative deals, said Consumer Focus.
Customers also reported confusion about off-peak times and rates, with many unsure about which are the cheaper hours, how much energy they need to use at off-peak rates to get the benefit of their tariff and how this compares to their consumption.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change estimates that a fifth of energy customers (19.5%) are on Economy 7, or time of use, tariffs and that a further 20% will take these up when smart meters are introduced.
Around six out of 10 users (59%) say more information would help them make better use of their tariff.
Consumer Focus found that the amount of energy customers need to use off-peak to make the tariffs cost-effective "varies widely" from 45% with British Gas to 15% for those with Scottish Power.
The group has called on suppliers to provide better information about the tariffs and to proactively contact customers who are not using the deals effectively.
It also wants suppliers to offer to bill customers with a standard tariff or replace their meter when they are not benefiting from a time of use deal.
Consumer Focus energy spokeswoman Hannah Mummery said: "Hundreds of thousands of customers on deals with off-peak rates are likely to be paying over the odds on these tariffs. Many of these customers don't know when their off-peak rates kick in and how to get the maximum savings from their tariff.
"We need to see much better information and advice provided to these customers by energy firms so people don't lose out. We'd also strongly advise customers who think they may not be benefiting from their time of use tariff to shop around to see whether they could pay less for the energy they use on another type of deal."
related stories on msn
You constantly Police the stories dictating what people can and cannot comment on!!??
Why have a comment site and what gives you the right to determine ?? You are in breach of the publicity law, dictating freedom of speech!!
Take this pathetic story< allow comment? when we have so many relevant and important things in the past, present and future news to have comment on and also have a right to do so!!
Like, Crap lying self serving Politicians, Immigration, NHS, Benefit system, Transport, Education, Heritage, Social Fabric of GB, Industry, LACK OF JOBS and Unemployment, stupidity and weakness of our laws, governed by Europe, Euro referendum - never allowed to comment on any of these!
Yet every single one of them affected by weak politicians and there after every single facet affected by obscene and mass immigration!
Its about time the flexible and giving people of the UK stood up and demanded these things are dealt with properly!!
YOUR FUEL USE WILL BE LOGGED
THEREFORE, SO WILL YOUR HOLIDAY DATES, TIMES WHEN YOU ARE SLEEPING ETC!
There should be an opt out of this sheme.
Wood burning stoves anyone?
latest money videos
more on msn money


The iconic Cotchford Farm in East Sussex goes up for sale for £2 million.

We look at which option will bag you a nicer home in a better neighbourhood.

Whether you have credit card debts or an overdraft or a stack of store credit, you can get back in the black for very little cost.

Because the sun has to shine eventually...

Nearly half of UK households say that they would struggle to cope if their monthly outgoings rose by £99. We look at how you can create some financial 'breathing space' to help you out if you lose your job or become ill.

Avoid these mistakes if you want to lead a richer life!

Save regularly to nab a leading easy access ISA rate from Newcastle Building Society and the chance to earn up to £1,000 cashback.

Barclaycard is now offering a record 27 interest-free months to pay off your debts.

The taxman says three and a half million people are due a refund, but two million will have to fork out for underpaid tax.

Fed up with low savings rates and high borrowing rates? As Dave Fishwick and his Bank of Dave has demonstrated, there are other options out there.

If you want to find a unique property bargain, there is plenty of help available online - you just need to know where to look.




