ENERGY COMPANY PRACTICES ON OVERCHARGING AND CREDIT BALANCES

That this House notes that for many the cheapest way to pay their energy bills is by direct debit; further notes that direct debit allows companies to vary the amount they withdraw from a customer's account and that energy companies can withdraw more than they are owed and hold this amount in credit; believes that customers have the right to assume that the direct debit sum should not fluctuate without reason; further notes that some energy companies have taken additional sums and held them in credit without cause; observes that this makes it difficult for customers to manage their finances and can leave them without money; and condemns this practice.